ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Rose Ezewu, has urged principals to serve as exemplary representatives of the state within their respective schools. The commissioner delivered this during a meeting with a group of secondary school principals from the Ika region, who were summoned by her ministry to address concerns regarding alleged extortion of parents for the registration of their children into Junior (JSS1) and Senior Secondary (SS1).
Mrs. Ezewu’s directive follows her visit to various schools across Delta State to investigate reports of inflated fees being imposed by some institutions following the resumption of the new academic session on September 11th, after an extended holiday period.
Expressing her disapproval of the extortionate practice, the honourable commissioner condemned it unequivocally. She emphasized that this behaviour has raised alarm among both parents and the state government, warning that if left unchecked, it could lead to an unhealthy situation where children, whose parents cannot afford the exorbitant charges, may end up as street destitutes, eventually becoming nuisance to society.
Mrs. Ezewu stressed that the Delta State government, led by Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, has not approved any increase in fees for basic and secondary schools in the state. She further asserted that school principals do not possess the authority to collect fees exceeding the approved levy established by the ministry.
Furthermore, the commissioner noted that, in consideration of the prevailing economic challenges in the country, the state government has provided relief measures for its workers and increased the retirement age of civil servants from 60 to 65 years. She argued that this policy implementation has allowed many principals who were nearing retirement age to remain in service for additional years.
Mrs. Ezewu made it clear that the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education will not tolerate any further attempts by individuals to undermine the M.O.R.E agenda of the Governor Oborevwori-led administration, reiterating that no part of the principals’ engagement permits them to solicit funds from parents for the purpose of sewing uniforms for students.
In her stern warning, the commissioner stated, “Having now made it clearly known to principals of secondary schools the position of the Delta State government on the rumoured illegal collection of anomalous fees, anyone found wanting would be made to face the law. Part of the M.O.R.E agenda is to ease living for Deltans, not to inflict more pain and unnecessary burden on them.”
The fewer destitutes we see on the streets, the better for us as a state. His Excellency, Gov Sheriff Oborevwori wants to make basic and secondary education affordable so that the children of petty business owners on the street can acquire basic and secondary education seamlessly.” She added.
