Akwa Ibom State government, Tuesday, warned public primary and secondary schools heads across the state against extorting parents by collecting illegal and unauthorized fees.
A statement by the Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Idongesit Etiebet, as obtained by TheHILL, asked parents, guardians and the general public to report any of such confirmed extortion to the ministry’s hotline.
“The attention of the Ministry of Education has been drawn to illegal charges levied on pupils and students by Heads of Primary schools and Principals of Secondary schools for the provision of school uniforms, socks, berets, intervention fees, identity card, file jackets for documentation, working tools, etc.
“We wish to remind the general public that Primary and Secondary Education in the State is Free and Compulsory. Consequently, collection of all forms of illegal charges is an aberration to the policy of the state government and is highly condemnable.
“Government has been punishing Head Teachers of Primary Schools and Principals of Secondary Schools caught charging illegal fees and will not relent in punishing others found culpable. Therefore, Principals and Head Teachers are warned for their career and professional interests to immediately stop further collection of illegal levies.
“Meanwhile, Parents and Guardians are again advised to report all illegal charges and observed irregularities in public schools to the Akwa Ibom State Government through: [email protected] or 09035734549 and 07010293974 (WhatsApp and SMS only).
“Government solicits the cooperation of the general public in her drive to provide Free, Compulsory and Qualitative Education to Akwa Ibom Children.” The statement reads.
