Kogi State Commissioner of Education, Hon. Wemi Jones has warned head teachers and principals of public schools in the state against unauthorized charges.
Speaking with newsmen during the 25th anniversary and public lecture organized by a non-governmental organization, Corps D’ Progressives in Adavi local government over the weekend, Hon. Jones said collection of school fees and unauthorised charges in public primary and secondary schools in Kogi state is a criminal offence.
Hon. Jones, who was conferred with an award of excellence for his immense contributions to the state education sector, said under the Free Education Law signed into law by the immediate past administration, school fees for pupils and students in public primary and secondary schools are free of charge.
He pointed out that with the law, any one who collects school fees or any charges under any guise has committed an office and must face the full wrath of the law.
According to him, some principals and school administrators are currently being investigated for suspected extortion, adding that whoever that is found wanting will face the consequences of their actions.
He stated that the recent de-registration of 13 schools and blacklisting of 14 supervisors due to allegations of examination malpractice in the 2023/2024 examinations by WAEC is currently being investigated as sanctions will be melted on culprits.
Hon. Jones, however, commended Corps D’ Progressive for investing in education in the last 25 years.
He stated that activities of the organisation was in line with the school adoption and mentorship programme of the state government.
“We will try to replicate what Corps D’ Progressives is doing across every part of the state,” Hon. Jones said.
