Ondo State has unveiled major education reforms, introducing digital admissions, stricter school monitoring, and a ban on illegal levies.
The government vowed to enforce discipline and restore integrity across public secondary schools.
The Ondo State Government has announced sweeping reforms in the education sector, including the digitization of student admissions, tighter monitoring of school activities, and a clampdown on illegal levies.
Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Professor Igbekele Ajibefun, disclosed this while addressing secondary school principals during a meeting in Akure. He commended the administrators for their commitment but urged stronger cooperation as the state moves to reposition its education system.
According to Ajibefun, reports of unapproved financial collections by public schools had become a major concern. He warned that henceforth, no school is permitted to demand or collect fees without clearance from the ministry. “Any school that flouts this directive will face strict sanctions,” he stressed.
The commissioner also revealed that all new student admissions will now be managed through a digital platform. While schools will continue to admit students, official admission letters will be issued centrally by the ministry. He explained that the system would ensure compliance with each school’s carrying capacity and improve oversight.
Ajibefun further cautioned against lateness, truancy, cultism, vandalism, and other forms of indiscipline among staff and students. He emphasized that government inspectors would intensify unscheduled visits to schools to enforce discipline. “We must restore respect, discipline, and a strong reading culture in our schools,” he said, adding that examination malpractice would no longer be tolerated.
On her part, the President of the All Nigeria Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), Dr. Fadekemi Jogbodo, hailed the reforms as timely. She assured the commissioner of principals’ full support but appealed for stronger collaboration with law enforcement agencies and wider sensitization of parents to ensure compliance.
Jogbodo also urged government to prioritize teacher welfare by promoting principals to Grade Level 17, recognizing outstanding educators during World Teachers’ Day, recruiting ICT teachers, and investing in infrastructure. “We believe these reforms are achievable. As principals, we are ready to work hand in hand with government to reposition education in our state,” she affirmed.
