Ahead of the 2025/2026 academic session, the Ondo state government has prohibited the illegal collection of levies in all public schools.

The ban followed persistent calls from parents and education stakeholders for reforms in the state’s education sector.

Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun announced the directive on Tuesday after a meeting with principals from the 18 local government areas of the state.

Ajibefun said reports had revealed that many public schools were engaged in unapproved collections, warning that offenders would face serious sanctions.

“It is now unlawful for any school to collect any amount without the ministry’s approval. We will not hesitate to sanction erring schools,” he said.

He further disclosed that the government would digitise admissions for all public schools, with the ministry officially issuing admission letters.

The move, Ajibefun explained, would curb excess enrolment and improve supervision.

“No school can go beyond its carrying capacity. Admissions will be digitised, and anyone who goes against this will be sanctioned,” he stressed.

The commissioner also cautioned against lateness, absenteeism, cultism, vandalism, and unruly behaviour in schools, warning principals to restore discipline and uphold cultural values of respect.

On examination malpractice, he decried students’ over-reliance on “expo” and vowed that the government would revive the reading culture across schools.

“There won’t be cheating in any of our schools. We will come up with strategies to combat this, and schools found culpable will be sanctioned,” Ajibefun said

In her remarks, Dr. Fadekemi Jogbodo, President of the All Nigeria Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), welcomed the reforms, describing them as long overdue.

She pledged the support of principals in implementing the policies while urging the government to involve security agencies, sensitise parents, and prioritise teachers’ welfare.

“We are pleading for the promotion of principals to Grade Level 17, the recognition of outstanding teachers, recruitment of ICT instructors, and infrastructural development. With collaborative leadership, these reforms will succeed,” Jogbodo assured. (The Nation)

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