Ahead of the 2024/2025 academic session, the Ondo state government has warned against collection of unapproved levies from admission seekers into the Public Primary and Secondary Schools.
The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Mr Olaolu Akindolire gave the warning during a meeting with representatives of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), Academic Staff Union of Secondary School (ASUSS), Association of Primary School Headteachers of Nigeria (AOPSHON) and Parents/Teachers Association (PTA) in Akure, Ondo.
He said government had an approved list of collectibles in all public primary and secondary schools across the state and would soon make it available to all principals, headmasters and other heads of public institutions.
Mr Olaolu Akindolire, while warning against collecting levies that is not on the approved list during admission process, said the government of Mr. Lucky Ayedatiwa was aware of the prevailing economic situation in the country and would not put additional burden on parents and guardians.
He therefore advocated unencumbered admission process into all public schools in the state and urged parents and guardians to always show understanding during the process, assuring that their children and wards would be place approximately.
The Commissioner assured parents and guardians that the state government is committed to providing quality and affordable education to the people of the state where they live work or play.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner also met with all the Zonal Education Officers, ZEOs, and the Area Education Officers, AOEs, where he warned against absenteeism, lateness and dereliction of duty or abscondment.
He said the state government was ready to invoke the relevant sessions of the Public Service Rules and Civil Service Regulations against any Officer found wanting on his or her duties.
Mr Akindolire also warned against gossiping, backbiting and unhealthy rivalry among the Officers saying everyone has his or her own line of duties, which, if well coordinated, would aid in stabilizing the education sector in the state.
The Commissioner tasked the Senior Education Officers to monitor students within their areas of jurisdiction to guide against roaming the street or loitering around during school hours.
The AEOs and ZEOs however complained of shortage of personnel, lack of working tools especially project vehicles and office accommodation as major impediments in discharging their duties.
