Kogi state government said that it would sanction any head of public primary and secondary schools taking advantage of its free education policy in the state.
The commissioner for Education in the state, Mr Wemi Jones, stated this when the National Parent-Teachers’ Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN), Kogi chapter, visited him in his office in Lokoja.
Jones warned principals and head teachers that there would be consequences for those sabotaging the free education system to mess up the government’s good intentions.
“Our provision of free education to pupils and students in public primary and secondary schools must not be taken for granted or sabotaged by any teacher.
“The state government will take stiff action against anyone found sabotaging the policy.
“Government is mindful of the activities of some principals and teachers sabotaging the state’s free education policy and anyone caught will face the full wrath of the law,” he warned.
Jones encouraged the association to collaborate with teachers to ensure that government education policies are effectively implemented for the benefit of students.
He stated: “The state government is mindful of the facts that the only lasting palliative that is everlasting is education.
“So, investing in education is the legacy that the government of Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo will bequeath to the people of the state.”
According to him, the “Free Examination Registration Fees for Kogi State Students and Pupils in Public Primary and Secondary Schools Law” has made education totally free in public schools in the state.
Jones said that it had become mandatory for the state government to pay for all internal and external examinations in public primary and secondary schools.
“The exams include Common Entrance and Basic Six, Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), SSCE (WAEC), NECO, NAPTEB, Mock and JAMB Examinations for all pupils and students in public schools in Kogi.
“The state government has not pictured private schools into the policy yet because of lack of accurate data of private schools,” he said.
The commissioner, however, assured that the government would extend the gesture to the private schools as soon as there was enough information and accurate data on them.
He urged the association to feed the government with credible information that would enable it to plan well for educational development in the state.
The Chairman of NAPTAN in the state, Mr John Abenege, commended the commissioner for his hard work and unwavering commitment to the uplift of education in the state.
Abenege added that the state government’s efforts and kindness had promoted academic excellence, including the state’s free education policies.
He, therefore, promised the association’s support toward the effective implementation of government’s education policies in the state.
“Our association will diligently carry out any assignment given to us by the state government.
“We sincerely express our heart of gratitude to Gov. Ahmed Ododo for giving education the utmost attention it deserves,” he said.
