Delta Warns School Principals Against Extorting Parents
ASABA/Nigeria: The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education in Delta State, Mrs. Rose Ezewu, has issued a stern warning to principals in secondary schools and chief inspectors of education, instructing them to cease extorting money from parents during the registration process for entrance into basic and secondary schools.
Mrs. Ezewu delivered this message during a meeting held on Friday in her Asaba office with principals and chief inspectors of education from the Delta North Senatorial District.
Expressing her deep concern, the commissioner decried the unethical behavior exhibited by some secondary school administrators in Delta State. She emphasized that, regardless of the prevailing economic challenges in the country, these individuals were exploiting parents by demanding exorbitant fees for their children’s admission into public secondary schools.
Mrs. Ezewu pointed out that her office had received numerous complaints from parents and the education monitoring team since schools reopened. These complaints revolved around the extortionate practices of school principals. She firmly asserted that no official statement had revised the entrance registration fees, making it illegal for them to overcharge parents.
The commissioner stressed the necessity of the meeting, stating that it provided an opportunity for principals to understand that her office continuously received reports of school administrators failing to meet expectations. The gathering aimed to address the root causes of these issues and promote collaboration in the interest of both parents and students.
She reiterated her commitment to the “M.O.R.E” agenda of Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, emphasizing that she would not tolerate any activities that hindered the smooth implementation of this agenda within the education sector.
Furthermore, Mr. Charles Ekpenisi, the coordinator of the education monitoring team in Delta State, urged principals to adhere to the existing rules of engagement outlined by the Delta State government. He asserted that the practice of school administrators collecting money from parents for sewing school uniforms was not part of their official duties.
As the commissioner takes a stand against these exploitative practices, parents and students can hope for a more equitable and just education system in Delta State.
