The Ogun State government has reiterated its directive prohibiting public and private schools from charging students any fee for graduation ceremonies and end-of-session parties.

The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Abayomi Arigbabu, reaffirmed this while receiving members of the Grand Union of Private Schools Association (GUPSA) in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta on Wednesday.

He explained that the directive followed widespread complaints and controversies from parents over the imposition of exorbitant charges by some schools for graduation-related activities.

Mr Arigbabu stressed that the state government would not condone any practice placing unnecessary financial burden on parents under the pretext of organising school ceremonies.

In response to GUPSA’s request for the removal of learners’ photographs from the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) certificates, Mr Arigbabu explained government’s position on the matter.

He that the inclusion of learners’ photographs and quick response (QR) codes on BECE certificates was aimed at safeguarding the credibility of the certificates and curbing examination malpractice.

He also disclosed that the government had put in place measures to strengthen the security of learners and all personnel within school environments.

He urged proprietors of private schools to complement government’s efforts by paying closer attention to school safety, including the engagement of security personnel where necessary.

He also commended private school owners for their contributions to educational development in the state.

He stressed that investment in education should be driven by commitment to quality learning and character development rather than profit.

The commissioner also revealed that the ministry was working on modalities to onboard private schools onto the Ogun Learning Enhancement and Academic Resource Network (OgunLEARN) platform.

“The OgunLearn initiative will give private schools access to the state’s digital lesson notes and ensure uniform quality instructional content for learners in both public and private schools,” he said.

Earlier, in his remark, the GUPSA president, Ustadh Ajibola, commended the state government for its interventions in repositioning the education sector in the state. 

(NAN)