Akure: The Ondo State Government has sanctioned two secondary school principals over the collection of illegal charges and items from students in public schools. The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ajibefun, who declined to mention the names and schools of the affected principals, said they were implicated in the alleged illegal collection of fees. He explained that some parents had reported to the ministry that certain principals were charging above the approved levies and collecting unapproved items from students.
The commissioner expressed concern that some headteachers and principals habitually collect unapproved levies from students. “We have sanctioned two principals in the last few days. The two principals were collecting illegal money from students. Even before the resumption for the new term, they’ve started collecting money from the students,” Ajibefun said.
Ajibefun added that the principals were summoned to the ministry, where they confessed, as credible information from parents confirmed the allegations. The principals have been queried, and corresponding punishments will follow to demonstrate the government’s commitment to addressing the issue.
He emphasized that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration would not tolerate any actions undermining ongoing educational reforms in the state. Regarding illegal schools, Ajibefun warned private school operators without ministry approval to register immediately, highlighting concerns over substandard educational facilities and personnel.
The ongoing reforms in the education sector aim to revitalize the system, and the commissioner disclosed that a digital platform had been launched for all public schools to monitor students’ movements and prevent malpractice. “We are deploying technology, and the digital platform of the Ministry of Education is now very active. We are going to migrate most of our activities into the portal,” Ajibefun stated.
The government is also scrutinizing private schools due to their significant impact on the education sector, ensuring compliance and quality standards are upheld.