Gov Fayemi signs executive order, stops illegal fees in schools

As part of his promises to secure a pride of place in the education sector of Ekiti state, Governor Kayode Fayemi has signed an Executive Order banning various fees collected by some principals, head teachers and other school officials.

Also as a way to prioritize public workers’ welfare, he has equally approved N200 million as car and housing loans for teachers in public schools in the state to boost their morale.

The governor had last week paid off part of the leave bonus of the Local Government in the state.

Fayemi disclosed that the loans will be disbursed on or before November 15 adding that payment of arrears of salaries owed by the last administration will commence any moment from now.

Speaking after signing the executive order at a ceremony held at the Governor’s Office, Ado Ekiti on Wednesday, Fayemi said it also provides for free and compulsory education in government owned primary and secondary schools.

The executive order, according to him, makes provisions for stiffer sanctions and penalties for school principals and head teachers extorting pupils and students through illegal fees.

Fayemi explained that the action was taken because of reports that school heads were still collecting illegal fees after his pronouncement banning same last Wednesday during his senatorial town hall meetings.

The governor expressed dismay that some principals and head teachers were still extorting students under the pretext of collecting “voluntary donations.”

Fayemi stressed that the executive order would prevent any of such illegality in schools, eliminate school dropout and as well encourage children enrolment.

He urged parents to report any head of schools who asked their children for money to the ministry of education for necessary action against would be culprits.

Earlier the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Princess Adekunbi Obaisi, noted that the executive order would go a long way at strengthening the education policy in the state.

Also the State Chairman of Nigeria union of Teachers Mr Samuel Olugbesan said the govt initiative marked the beginning of a new dawn in the education sector

While thanking the Governor on behalf of the teachers in the state, Olugbesen express the development will spurred the teachers to put in their best and promised that Ekiti teachers will continue to give out their best in a bid to ensure improve standard of education in the state.