Stakeholders recommend cancellation of free education in Ondo state

Some stakeholders in the education sector have recommended the cancellation of free education in the tertiary institutions of Ondo state.

They said if the state wants to achieve any functionality in its education sector, then, its business should not be left in the hands of the government alone.

According to them, the state government should hold the brick of education at the primary levels while parents should fund the education of their wards/children in the tertiary institutions level.

The stakeholders explained that there is need for the state government to review the chargeable (tuition) fee in the tertiary institutions of learning in the state in the face of the dwindling economy.

They suggested this at the end of a two day educational summit which was held at the International cultural and events centre in Akure.

The 19 paragraphs communiqué was signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mr. Steve Awosika and obtained by journalists in Akure on Sunday.

The stakeholders also suggested that the state government should recruit more teachers in the primary school to fill the vacant positions in the sector.

“The issue of education funding is too important to be left in the hands of government alone if we must achieve functionality in education. It must be the business of all stakeholders.

“Government should fund education at the Primary school level while parents should be responsible for the education of their children at the Secondary and Tertiary levels.

“There should be a review of chargeable fees in State’s tertiary institutions in line with the needs of each school and current economic realities.

“The issue of return of schools to their original owners requires further engagement amongst stakeholders in order to arrive at amicable and workable solution,” it said.

‘Tosin Ajuwon, Akure