ABEOKUTA – The Ogun State Government has issued a strong warning to school administrators across the state against the collection of illegal fees and the arbitrary changing of textbooks and uniforms, vowing to sanction any institution found culpable.
The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Abayomi Arigbabu, during a pre-resumption media engagement with stakeholders in Abeokuta for the 2025/2026 academic session.
Prof. Arigbabu stated that the Dapo Abiodun-led administration would no longer tolerate the exploitation of parents and guardians by school heads through indiscriminate charges. He emphasised that the approved textbooks are designed to be reused by siblings and that no school is permitted to introduce a second uniform, except sportswear.
“The government could no longer tolerate the exploitation of parents by school heads and teachers through indiscriminate fees and textbooks,” the Commissioner declared.
Beyond financial directives, the commissioner also addressed classroom capacity, instructing principals of flagship secondary schools not to exceed 60 learners per classroom to ensure a conducive learning environment. He urged all school heads to work cooperatively with their School Portal Administrators for efficient digital management, advising them to “be firm, vigilant and develop native intelligence in dealing with teachers.”
The meeting also featured a strong security component. The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, DIG Olusola Subair (Rtd), alongside other security agencies, educated school heads on proactive measures to secure their premises. This includes thorough patrols, quick emergency response protocols, and vigilant supervision to prevent security breaches.
In their remarks, the heads of the State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), Apostle Abiodun Sanyaolu, and the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Evang. Olalekan Ifede, described teachers as “life moulders” and called for passion and commitment in their duties, acknowledging the government’s own commitment to their welfare.
The state leadership of the principals’ and headteachers’ associations thanked Governor Abiodun for his leadership and pledged their full support for the government’s educational programmes, promising to adhere to the new directives.
The resumption warning signals the state government’s intensified focus on standardising education costs and maintaining discipline and security within schools across Ogun State.
