Ogun Government Suspends Principals for Collecting Unauthorized Fees
Ogun Government Suspends Principals for Collecting Unauthorized Fees
The Ogun State Government on Tuesday suspended the principals of Ilugun High School (Junior and Senior), Mrs. Olukoga Adeyemi and Mrs. Ladipo Temitope, over the collection of unauthorized fees that sparked student protests. A viral video showed students vandalising school property during the unrest.
Addressing newsmen, the State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Abayomi Arigbabu, said the Ministry is conducting a preliminary investigation over the death of a yet-to-be-identified person whose death might have sparked the protest.
He explained that the deceased might have been illegally enrolled into the school, saying he was identified by three different names Babalola Ayornide, Salako Jimoh, and Afolabi Babalola.
The Commissioner stated that the Principal of the Junior School, Olukoga, had been involved in collecting illegal fees.
“We have all become aware of the incident that took place at Ilugun High School (Junior), Elega. I stand before you this afternoon to confirm that the incident did happen in the school.
“First, let me, on behalf of the State Government, express condolences to the parents and family of the deceased.
“Our preliminary investigations have revealed a twist. The young man who lost his life could not be confirmed as a student of the school.
“He was identified by three different names Babalola Ayornide, Salako Jimoh, and Afolabi Babalola. Yet, none of these names appear in our official state education database, the OGSERA platform, which authenticates all school enrolments. This points to the likelihood of an illegal enrolment.
“In addition, we also discovered that the Principal of Ilugun High School (Junior) had been involved in the collection of illegal fees. In light of these findings, government has decided to place both the Junior and Senior Principals of Ilugun High School on suspension while we conduct an investigation into the causes of this incident.
“To ensure close monitoring of activities in schools, the government, through the Teaching Service Commission, has introduced a Whistleblower Scheme to curb illegal practices and misconduct.
I want to reassure the people of Ogun State that the administration of His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, is fully committed to providing free education for every school-age child in the state, regardless of location, gender, economic background, religion, or political affiliation,” he stated.
