The Ogun State Government has warned administrators and teachers in both public and private schools to desist from collecting illegal fees from parents and guardians.
The government also cautioned schools against arbitrary changes of textbooks and uniforms, stressing that any institution found culpable would be sanctioned.
The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, gave the warning during a pre-resumption media engagement in Abeokuta ahead of the 2025/2026 academic session.
Arigbabu said the Dapo Abiodun-led administration would no longer tolerate the exploitation of parents through indiscriminate levies and constant changes in textbooks, noting that books could be reused within the ministry’s review cycle.
He added that schools are permitted to have only one uniform, aside from sportswear.
He also charged administrators and teachers, especially in government-owned schools, to be punctual, disciplined, and exemplary in conduct, stressing that learners should be able to emulate their teachers.
The commissioner further directed principals of flagship secondary schools not to admit more than 60 students per classroom in order to make teaching and learning more effective.
He urged school managers to work closely with their portal administrators to ensure efficient operations.
“Things have changed technologically, and you need to help yourself by ensuring proper upgrades. Be firm, vigilant, and develop native intelligence in managing your teachers,” he said.
Arigbabu added that teachers must adopt modern disciplinary methods and act as role models rather than resorting to outdated punitive approaches.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, DIG Olusola Subair (retd.), alongside other security chiefs, sensitised school heads on proactive measures to secure their schools, including patrols, emergency response, and vigilance against security breaches.
In their remarks, the Chairman of the State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), Apostle Abiodun Sanyaolu, and the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) Chairman, Evang. Olalekan Ifede, described teachers as “life moulders” who must carry out their duties with passion and commitment.
Permanent Secretary in the Education Ministry, Mrs. Oluwatosin Oloko, said the stakeholders’ meeting was aimed at charging principals and headteachers with government expectations.
Meanwhile, the State President of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), Mr. Adeyinka Adekoya, and the Chairperson of the Association of Primary School Headteachers of Nigeria (AOPSHON), Mrs. Folake Onabajo, commended Governor Abiodun for appointing a “resourceful and passionate” education commissioner, pledging continued support for government programmes.