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Edo Bans Illegal Fees Collection By Principals … Vows Severe Penalties For Violators

[dropcap]E[/dropcap]do State Government has read the riot act to principals of public schools who have been collecting illegal fees from students for the purchase of uniforms and other items, vowing severe penalties for violators.

The government also gave a December 1 deadline to owners of illegal buildings and structures on the premises or lands of public schools, to vacate such premises.

A statement issued by the Commissioner for Education, Hon. Dr. Christopher Adesotu, explained that “the only fees approved by the Edo State government for the purchase of school uniforms are as follows: Junior Secondary School Students – ₦3,500 only and Senior Secondary School Students – ₦4,000 only.”

Adesotu said that “any payment requested outside the stated amounts is illegal and the principals involved will face severe sanctions.”

He advised parents to adhere to the approved levies for uniforms and report any request for additional fees promptly to the Hon. Commissioner and the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education for immediate action.

Commissioner for Orientation and Communication, Hon. Paul Ohonbamu, said the illegal occupation of lands allocated to public schools in the state was hindering the state government’s ongoing school remodeling project.

He emphasised that the state government’s policy to develop and remodel all public schools to meet modern standard is being implemented and “any structure or building that will render this lofty goal difficult or impossible, would not be tolerated.”