Ogun Govt Cautions School Principals , Teachers Against Collection Of Illegal Fees

Ogun State Government has strongly warned school administrators and teachers of public schools across the State  to desist from collecting illegal fees, vowing to sanction whoever is found guilty.

The State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, issued the riot-act at a meeting with the executive committee of All Nigerian Confederation of Principal of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), Ogun State Chapter, at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta

He noted that collecting fees for dossiers, forcing students to pay for after-school classes or lessons, payment of Parents Teachers Association (PTA) levy, as well as  buying sports-wear for inter-house sports were against the free education policy of the present administration.

 

Arigbabu reiterated that the free education policy of the Prince Dapo Abiodun’s administration would continue to ensure inclusiveness and make education accessible to all school-age children in the State, adding that schools interested in organising inter-house sports competitions should source for funds outside the school premises or seek support from old students for assistance.

The Commissioner explained that the State government’s policies on education would be institutionalised, while examination malpractices in schools had reduced through Information Communication Technology-driven initiatives.

Arigbabu disclosed that the government had given approval for provision of 20,000 chairs and tables for public schools in the State, saying the first phase of distribution would commence soon.

‘’You can imagine for many States to be coming to understudy what we are doing in the State, to the extent that the Federal Government wanted us to share the model use in managing our schools; it is a big plus to the State. So, the first phase of 10,000 distribution of tables and chairs across the State will commence very soon’’, he said.

Speaking on behalf of the Principals, President, All Nigerian Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), Ogun State Chapter, Mr. Edward Adekoya, commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for his commitment to the development of all sectors of the economy of the State, noting that the education sector’s running costs to schools were paid as an when due.

He also commended the State Commissioner for his leadership roles in the revolution of the education system, promising continued cooperation and loyalty of all Principals and teachers towards the development of the education sector, while enjoining government not to hesitate to sanction any teacher or school administrator found wanting.