Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has warned heads of government-owned primary and secondary schools to desist from charging illegal fees.
He gave the warning while hosting executive members of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS) who paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Ibadan on Wednesday.
Ajimobi, who reiterated the state’s free education policy, enjoined the school heads to avoid charging their students illegal fees but should rather work for their success in public examinations.
“I have found out that some teachers were charging students underground fees; teachers should desist from charging any extra money or fee,’’ he said.
The governor urged the teachers to put in their best to produce students who would be the best in learning and character.
He explained that with about 30 per cent allocated to the education sector in the 2014 budget, more funds would be available to transform it.
The ANCOPSS State President, Funmilayo Ojoawo, commended the education policy of the administration, saying that this had helped in raising the standard of education in the state.
“We appreciate the fact that provision of free and quality education has become a huge investment.
“The government has not relented in providing free and qualitative education to all citizens and residents of Oyo State.
“Tuition is totally free; government has employed highly qualified teachers to teach in our schools, this is highly commendable,’’ she said.
Ojoawo also lauded the prevailing peace in the state, saying it had contributed immensely to the successes so far recorded by the present administration.
“We thank God for the peace in Oyo State. It is a welcome development and we believe that Oyo of yesteryears that was known for hooliganism of the highest degree has now known peace,
“This is a major prerequisite for meaningful development. Whatever the magic wands God has entrusted to our governor to bring peace to Oyo State is highly appreciated,’’ she said.
Ojoawo, however, appealed to the state government to ensure that secondary school teachers, who had been on Grade Level 16 for years, were promoted to Grade Level 17.
She also requested that serving principals be considered to fill the vacant posts of permanent secretaries in the State Teaching Service Commission while grants to schools should be increased.