Edo warns school heads against extortion, reduces ministries, others

The Edo State government has warned headteachers and principals of public schools against imposing illegal levies on the students. The Commissioner for Education, Dr Joan Oviavwe, gave the warning in Benin while briefing journalists shortly after the weekly executive council meeting. She reiterated that public schools in the state were free and compulsory, warning that […]

The Edo State government has warned headteachers and principals of public schools against imposing illegal levies on the students.

The Commissioner for Education, Dr Joan Oviavwe, gave the warning in Benin while briefing journalists shortly after the weekly executive council meeting.

She reiterated that public schools in the state were free and compulsory, warning that defaulting head teachers would be prosecuted accordingly.

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“Governor Godwin Obaseki has mandated the state Ministry of Education that on no condition should any child be driven out of school for their inability to pay whatever fees. The governor has reiterated that public education in the state remains free and compulsory.”

She added that any school head found to be extorting parents would face disciplinary actions in line with civil service rules and be prosecuted.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Andrew Emwanta, disclosed that Obaseki had approved the restructuring of the state’s civil and public service to cut waste in government and eliminate duplication of functions.

He said the ministries in the state had been cut from 22 to 18, while Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) had been reduced from 105 to 72.

“So, if at the federal level there is this talk of reducing its bureaucracy and MDAs, Edo State is now blazing a trail in walking the talk. Towards this end, a new office has been created – the office of Special Duties – to be headed by a commissioner,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie, has explained that the reduction of MDAs will not result in sacking of the state civil servants.

He stated this yesterday in Benin in an interview with journalists.

“Government desirous of reducing the cost of governance considerably, and even if there surplus fund, government would not waste it because we have lots of competing needs and the money would be directed towards providing social amenities for the people” he said.