The Ondo State Government has sanctioned two secondary school principals for allegedly imposing unauthorized charges and collecting unapproved items from students in public schools.
Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, disclosed this to journalists on Tuesday in Akure.
Although he declined to reveal the identities of the affected principals, Ajibefun said they were found guilty of collecting fees beyond the amounts approved by government.
According to him, the action followed complaints from parents who reported the illegal levies to the ministry.
“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 had started demanding money from the students,” the commissioner said.
He explained that the principals were summoned to the ministry, where they admitted to the allegations after being confronted with evidence from parents.
“They have been queried and punishment will follow. It is to let them know that we are serious about what we are saying, and to let them know that this era is different,” Ajibefun added.
The commissioner warned that the government would no longer tolerate extortion in public schools and urged parents to promptly report any cases of illegal collections.