By Ayodele Oni
Ondo State Government has commenced an investigation into an alleged blood-sampling exercise imposed on newly admitted students of Adu Memorial Secondary School, Oke-Aro, Akure, as the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) arrested a man identified as Alfa in connection with the incident.
The development followed allegations that prospective students seeking admission into the school for the 2026/2027 academic session were directed to undergo blood tests at a retail shop located opposite the school before their admission could be processed.
The alleged exercise has also raised fresh concerns about unofficial levies and charges reportedly imposed on parents and students in some public secondary schools across the state.
The state Ministry of Education, which described the alleged blood sampling as unauthorised, summoned the principal of Adu Memorial Secondary School to explain her role in the development.
The Commissioner for Education, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, said the government did not authorise any principal to collect blood samples from students as a condition for admission.
Ajibefun, who described the report as strange, said the ministry was investigating the circumstances surrounding the alleged exercise and would establish those responsible.
The principal, according to sources, denied authorising the collection of blood samples but reportedly acknowledged being aware that the exercise was taking place.
Confirming the development, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps ( NSCDC) confirmed that it has taken over the matter and arrested Alfa, who was allegedly connected with the blood-sampling exercise.
The NSCDC spokesman in Ondo State, David Dan, revealed that another person allegedly involved in collecting the blood samples has fled and was being sought by the agency.
The Ondo State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology in a statement by the press officer, Bisi Lawani, dissociated itself from the alleged conduct of unauthorised blood-testing exercise reportedly carried out by the Principal of CAC Adu Memorial Grammar School, Oke-Aro, Akure.
“The Ministry wishes to state categorically that it did not authorise, approve or direct the said blood-testing exercise.”
It further emphasised that no school principal is empowered to organise such an exercise or impose any related financial charge on students without the requisite approval from the appropriate authorities.
“The Ministry is particularly concerned by the allegation that students were required to pay the sum of ₦8,000 for the exercise.
“The Ministry has not approved any policy requiring students in public schools to pay such an amount for blood testing. Any such collection, if established, was therefore undertaken without the authorisation of the Ministry.
“The Ministry has also been informed of the reported involvement of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in the matter to investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident and establish the facts.
“The Ministry advises all school principals and other school administrators to operate strictly within approved government policies, regulations and directives.
“Principals are expected to take full responsibility for the effective administration and supervision of their schools and must be sufficiently aware of activities taking place within their respective school premises and also exercise proper oversight over staff, students and school activities to prevent unauthorised actions and ensure compliance with government directives.
“No individual is permitted to use his or her position to impose unauthorised charges or undertake activities capable of undermining the confidence of parents and the general public in the State’s education system.
“The Ministry therefore urges parents, guardians, students and members of the public to report any unauthorised collection of money or other irregular activities in public schools to the appropriate authorities for prompt investigation and necessary action.
“The Ministry assures the public that, where the allegations are established after due investigation, appropriate administrative and legal action will be taken against any officer found culpable.
“The Ondo State Government remains committed to protecting the welfare of students, ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of public schools, and maintaining the integrity of the State’s education system.”
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