Parents Groan as Ajimobi Re-introduces School Fees

Parents are already expressing displeasure at the new policy of the Oyo State government on the stoppage of payment of West African Examinations Council (WAEC) registration fees of students in public schools in the state. It takes effect from the commencement of the 2015/2016 academic session in September.

While the state government cited its poor financial status as well as the attitude of parents to the provision of qualitative education as reasons behind it's decision, some parents who spoke to The Anchor Online opined that the state will be adversely affected by the move at the long run.

 It has also been announced that students will now pay N1,000 per term as Education Development Levy which would be utilised to compliment government’s effort at improving infrastructure in public secondary schools.
Mr. Adeoba, a businessman simply said "the masses have lost out. This is not what the people had in mind when they voted". Ade Bamidele, who provides education support too shared his view, "I don't see it as a step in the right direction", he said. Speaking further, he said "I think this is the first civilian administration that will introduce fees in schools. Even the past administrations that were criticized for high-handedness were lenient enough to pay WAEC fees. At least we were here when an administration introduced the 30 students per class policy, people still refer to that. I bet you, the number of students that will enroll for WAEC will drop drastically because parents won't be able to afford it".
Mrs. Ogundele, a federal civil servant said "it is surprising that development levy is being introduced again and public schools for what they are, students will be asked to pay PTA levy and other charges. And it is not that facilities are even available in the schools. I am not happy about this."
In the opinion of Mr. Okafor, "that the state is broke is not an excuse. Even Osun that is owing civil servants is not asking parents to pay."

Mr Soji Eniade, the Head of Service had announced via a statement on Wednesday that yearly mock examinations will henceforth, be conducted for final year students. This, the government noted was to ensure that only serious and quality students were presented by the state for public examinations.The Head of Service noted that from available data, less than 15% of students that enrolled in the last seven years passed.
Meanwhile, to improve academic performance, the government has mandated that students must have 80 per cent attendance in class, which is a prerequisite for promotion to higher classes.

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