By Ayodele Oni
As public primary and secondary schools in Ondo state resumed for the 2025/2026 academic session, the state government has vowed to ensure that the free education policy of government is implemented successfully, while unapproved fees are outlawed.
To this end, the State Government has sanctioned two secondary school principals for allegedly extorting students through illegal levies and unapproved charges.
Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, disclosed this on Tuesday in Akure, warning that the era of exploiting parents and students was over.
According to him, concerned parents had petitioned the ministry over reports that some principals were collecting fees far above the state-approved levies, as well as demanding items not sanctioned by government.
“Two principals have already been sanctioned in the last few days. They were caught collecting illegal money from students, even before the new term resumed,” Ajibefun said.
He revealed that the two principals were summoned, confronted with evidence, and eventually confessed.
“They have been queried, and appropriate punishment will follow. This is to send a clear message that we are serious, and this era is different,” he stressed.
The commissioner cautioned head teachers and principals across the state to desist from illegal collections, assuring parents that the government remains committed to providing free and quality education in public schools.
Before the schools resumption, government had announced various measures to guide principals as regards approved and unapproved levies as well as specific textbooks to be used by various classes.
The state also outlawed any form of extravagant end of year activities, following complaints by parents that such programme is meant to extort them by the schools.
Discover more from The Source
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
