We’ll deal with collectors of illegal levies in public schools — Oyo govt
The Oyo State Government has re-echoed its stand the ban on collection of illegal levies in public schools with a warning that it would deal with anyone flouting the order.
This is as a result of reports that some teachers compelled pupils to pay for the ongoing second term unified promotion examination, for public primary schools.
The chairman of the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr Nureni Aderemi Adeniran, gave the warningn in Ibadan, while monitoring the examinations.
He stated that the present administration in the state, since inception, had been responsible for the printing of question and answer sheets for its unified examination exercise.
Dr Adeniran explained that the state government had ensured that the examination timetable is adhered to by all schools in the state.
He noted that despite the fact that the government had cancelled the payment of fees by pupils and students in public schools, it was discovered that some errant staff had been imposing illegal fees in some areas.
Adeniran, therefore, advised parents and guardians to report any case of collection of illegal fees to the board, saying that the government is alive to its responsibilities.
He added: “We are committed to the free and compulsory universal basic education, hence, no school or head teacher found imposing or collecting any levy not approved by the government, will not go unpunished.”
“Governor, Seyi Makinde has been regular in the payment of the Oyo State counterpart fund with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC). Thus, we access our funds and use them to develop infrastructures and build the capacity of personnel,’’ he added.
Adeniran explained that the campaign against examination malpractice and truancy in public schools have been yielding the desired results.
He also commended the smooth conduct of examination in the centres visited.
According to him, teams from the board are in other zones of the state to monitor the ongoing examination exercise.
The coordinating director, OYOSUBEB, Mrs Olaide Ladipo and other deputy and assistant Directors were also on the monitoring team of the chairman.
Schools visited last Tuesday were: Community Basic School, 1&2, Olorunsogo; Community Primary School, Olosunde; Atolu Model School 1-4, Oremeji; among others.
Others include, UAMC School, Eleja, Odo-Ona; AUD Primary School; UMC Basic School, Oke-Ado; Abiola Jacobs Schools 1, 2, 3 and Army Children School, Iwo-road.