Fayemi Signs Order Abolishing Levies, Dues In Schools

An Executive Order abolishing various fees being collected by some principals, Head teachers and other school officials in Ekiti State was yesterday signed by the Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi.

This came as the governor approved the sum of N200 million as car and housing loans for teachers in public schools in the state to boost their morale.

 He disclosed that the loans will be disbursed to the teacher on or before November 15 with the payment of owed salary arrears by the last administration commencing any moment from now.

 Signing the executive order at a ceremony held at the Governor’s Office, Ado Ekiti on Wednesday, Fayemi said the action was to ensure free and compulsory education in government owned primary and secondary schools in the state  He said the executive order will make provisions for stiffer sanctions and penalties for school principals and Head teachers found extorting pupils and students through illegal fees.

The governor said the action was taken in response to the reports that school heads were still collecting illegal fees after his pronouncement banning same last Wednesday during his senatorial town hall meetings. 

He, however, expressed displeasure at the action of some principals and Head teachers who are still extorting students under the guise of collecting “voluntary donations.” Fayemi stressed that the executive order would prevent any of such illegality in schools, eliminate school drop- outs and as well encourage children enrolment.

 He urged parents to report any head of schools who asked their children for money to the ministry of education for necessary action agianst would be culprits.

 Earlier in her remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Princess Adekunbi Obaisi, noted that the executive order would go a long way at strengthening the education policy in the state.

 The State Chairman of Nigeria union of Teachers (NUT) in the state, Mr Samuel Olugbesan said the government initiative marked the beginning of a new dawn in the education sector.