Ogun State Government Reaffirms Ban on Graduation Charges in Public and Private Schools

The Ogun State Government has once again reminded all public and private schools that charging students or parents fees for graduation ceremonies and end-of-session celebrations remains prohibited.

The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, reiterated the government’s position while meeting with members of the Grand Union of Private Schools Association (GUPSA) at the ministry’s headquarters in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

According to the commissioner, the directive was introduced following numerous complaints from parents who were being asked to pay high fees for graduation events and other end-of-session activities. He emphasized that the government would not tolerate any practice that places unnecessary financial pressure on families under the guise of organizing school ceremonies.

Government Explains Security Features on BECE Certificates

Addressing concerns raised by GUPSA regarding the inclusion of learners’ photographs on Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) certificates, Prof. Arigbabu explained that the photographs, alongside Quick Response (QR) codes, were introduced to enhance the authenticity of the certificates and reduce examination malpractice.

He noted that these security features help protect the integrity of the state’s education system and make it easier to verify the certificates.

Schools Urged to Strengthen Safety Measures

The commissioner also disclosed that the Ogun State Government has introduced additional measures to improve security in schools across the state.

He encouraged private school proprietors to support these efforts by giving greater attention to school safety, including employing qualified security personnel where necessary to ensure the protection of students and staff.

Private Schools Recognised for Their Contributions

Prof. Arigbabu commended private school owners for their continued contributions to the development of education in Ogun State. However, he reminded school operators that education should be driven by a commitment to quality teaching, learning, and character development rather than financial gain.

OgunLEARN Platform to Be Expanded

The commissioner further revealed that the ministry is working on plans to integrate private schools into the Ogun Learning Enhancement and Academic Resource Network (OgunLEARN).

According to him, the initiative will provide private schools with access to the state’s digital lesson notes and standardized instructional materials, helping to improve the quality and consistency of teaching across both public and private schools.

Earlier during the meeting, the President of the Grand Union of Private Schools Association, Ustadh Ajibola, praised the Ogun State Government for its ongoing efforts to improve the education sector and expressed the association’s support for initiatives aimed at enhancing learning outcomes for students throughout the state.