The Ogun State Government may have suspended the free education in the state as it has ordered parents and guardians of students in itspublic primary/secondary schools/technical colleges to make a compulsory donation of N3,700 when school resumes for the 2019./2020 academic session.
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An indication to this move was contained in a circular with reference number EDU. 655/5 and dated 27th August, issued by the Ogun State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (Department of Secondary Education). The circular said the donation had the approval of the state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun.
Governor Abiodun had on assumption of office declared state of emergency in education promising to do all within his power to revive the dwindling fortunes of education in the state.
COPY OF THE CIRCULAR
Aside PTA levy, which is put at N600 on timely termly basis, each parent/guardian will also pay N500 as computer levy on termly basis, N500 as insurance, once per session, Sport/Jet/Literary will attract N300 on termly basis. Parents/Guardians will also pay N1,500 for school materials (caps, badge, beret etc. and N300 for file jacket both for new intakes only.
The circular signed by Director of Education (Secondary) Akonsolu M.I. on behalf of the Permanent Secretary in the ministry also directed principals to ensure that students dress according to the school dress code.
”You are also enjoined to adhere strictly with the content of this circular as the state government has zero tolerance to collection of unapproved fees in all public secondary schools/technical colleges” the circular directed.
Meanwhile, the directive has generated unfavorably reactions from parents wondering why a new administration that is yet to constitute its cabinet is asking for donation from parents and guardians.
However,others care of the opinion that this may be necessary to make parents contribute in bearing the cist of education in the state.
Until now,education at the primary and secondary vs chill levy in the state is free though the standard is not in any way comparable to what it was several decades ago.
During the previous government of former governor Ibikunle Amosun,schools in the state are not allowed to charge any fees and principals are even forbidding from giving out list of books to students even though no text book was provided.
as provided.
