Ondo sanctions two school principals over illegal levies

By Boye Oyeyemi –

The Ondo State Government has sanctioned two secondary school principals for collecting unauthorised charges and items from students in public schools.

Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, disclosed this on Tuesday in Akure while briefing reporters.

He said the affected principals, whose names and schools were not revealed, were indicted for imposing fees beyond the approved levies.

Ajibefun explained that the ministry acted after parents lodged complaints that their wards were being compelled to pay unapproved fees and supply items not listed by the government.

The commissioner expressed worry that some school heads had turned the collection of illegal levies into a habit despite repeated warnings from the state.

“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.

“We summoned them to the ministry, and they confessed because we’ve received credible information from parents, and when we confronted them with the allegations, they couldn’t deny.

“They have been queried, and the punishment will follow,” Ajibefun said.