The State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Wemi Ojo Jones reiterate that state government is still operating a free and compulsory education for children up to Senior Secondary 3, SS3, adding that nobody is permitted to collect anything from the students under any pretense. But to our dismayed head teachers and principal of public schools are still collecting money up to N22, 000 for registration and development fee worth N4,000 per term.
Jones reiterating the commitment of the Ododo Ahmed Usman administration to the welfare of the people, also explained that the free education policy was introduced by the government of Yahaya Adoza Bello to provide easy access to education by all school-age children and ensure that they get well prepared for adulthood but 98% of the school heads ignored this order and do otherwise.
On several occasion Hon. Jones said that principals in all public secondary schools have been repeatedly warned against charging or collecting any payment from students, noting that unfortunately, purportedly affected parents had not been forthcoming with the call to report any request for illegal levy or fees.
We are also appealing to the state government to make provision of a conducive teaching and learning environment in schools in the State, government should ensures prompt payment of running grants to public primary and secondary school teachers.
We call on parents and guardians not to allow themselves be defrauded by promptly reporting any untoward demand to the appropriate authority.
Mr. Paul Akinyemiju JP.
State Publicity Secretary
PTO