By Staff Reporter
The Ogun State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has announced a sweeping prohibition on the illegal collection of fees in public primary and secondary schools across the state, reaffirming that education at the basic and secondary levels remains completely free.
The directive was contained in a circular dated May 12, 2026, and signed by the Director of Education, Mrs. Oso. The circular was addressed to all Zonal Education Officers, principals of public secondary schools, and head teachers of public primary schools, with instructions for strict compliance and immediate dissemination to staff and stakeholders.
According to the ministry, no school authority is permitted to impose or collect unauthorized levies, charges, or fees from learners or their parents and guardians under any guise.
The circular stated: “Public education at the basic and secondary levels remains free and no school authority is permitted to impose or collect any form of illegal levy, fee, or charges from learners or their parents/guardians.”
The government also announced a total ban on graduation ceremonies and valedictory services in public schools across the state, describing such events as unauthorized and financially burdensome to parents.
The ministry directed schools to immediately desist from organizing graduation activities or compelling parents to contribute financially toward such programmes.
The statement further read: “Graduation ceremonies and valedictory services are not approved in any public primary or secondary schools within the state. Schools are therefore directed to desist from organising such events or compelling parents/guardians to make financial contributions for such purposes.”
The development is expected to bring relief to many parents who have repeatedly complained about the growing number of compulsory charges and end-of-session levies imposed by some public schools despite the government’s free education policy.
Education stakeholders have often raised concerns that illegal fees, ranging from examination levies to graduation charges, have continued to place financial pressure on families, particularly low-income earners struggling with the country’s economic realities.
In a strong warning to school administrators, the ministry emphasized that any school head found violating the directive would face disciplinary measures in line with public service regulations.
“Any Head of school found violating this directive will be subjected to appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with the public service rules,” the circular added.
The latest directive underscores the state government’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to education and protecting parents from exploitation within the public school system.
Observers believe the move could strengthen transparency and accountability in the management of public schools while reinforcing the government’s free education agenda across Ogun State.
