Heads of public schools in Ekiti are cautioned against paying illicit fees

The Ekiti State Government disapproves of the management staff of several public secondary schools in the state illegally collecting money from unaware parents.

During a morning visit to a few public schools in Ado Ekiti, Olabimpe Aderiye, the Commissioner for Education Science and Technology, made this known.

The commissioner, who accompanied some senior Ministry officials on an inspection tour of certain schools in Ado Ekiti and also looked into claims of illegitimate levies collection, issued a warning that any staff members found in violation would be subject to the full force of the law.

Aderiye observed that some school administrations, working in tandem with the Parents Teachers Association (PTA), had a history of coercing parents into giving them money or advice in exchange for not sending their children to the schools of their first choice.

She reaffirmed that under Kayode Fayemi’s direction, the state operates an absolutely free and mandatory education system and would not, under any circumstances, let the collection of money without authorization.

The commissioner warned principals against admitting students without first consulting the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, describing such action as impersonation, and reminded the management staff of public secondary schools that admission into JSS I could only be made by the ministry.

Aderiye cautioned the school principals and registrars to guarantee appropriate screening of applicants for admission to prevent the enrolling of unsuitable students, but he also suggested that they should base admissions decisions on applicants’ merit, regardless of their parents’ backgrounds.

Aderiye believed that some school principals had a practice of hiring vendors to supply school uniforms, which they then sold to parents at exorbitant prices. She claimed that they should be more concerned with the parents’ ability to meet the basic needs of their children rather than taking advantage of them.

She also suggested that teachers work with students who were not advanced to the next class during the previous semester, stressing that failure today does not decide one’s future.

The Commissioner revealed that efforts are ongoing at St. Michael Primary/Secondary Schools to create spaces that are favorable to teaching and learning.

Also at Ekiti State Government College, Ado Ekiti, the Commissioner voiced her disapproval with the school administration’s disregard for the welfare of the students and called on the principal, Mr. Olawale Olaleye, to perform his duty.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, responded by saying that the principal would face consequences for his carelessness.