Ondo Government Bans Cash Payments in Public Schools Over Extortion

The Ondo Government has banned cash payments in public schools across the state as part of efforts to tackle illegal levies, unauthorised collections and alleged extortion of parents and students.

The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, announced the new policy during a meeting with executives of the Association of Bursars of Secondary Schools in Akure.

Digital Payment Gateway Introduced for School Transactions

Ajibefun expressed concern over reports of unauthorised fees and other payments being collected by some school authorities. He said the government had responded by introducing a digital payment gateway through which all financial transactions in public schools will be processed.

According to the Commissioner, cash payments will no longer be permitted in public schools once the new system takes effect.

The digital platform is expected to provide a more transparent and traceable method of making school-related payments while reducing opportunities for unauthorised collections.

New System to Begin in the New Academic Session

The Commissioner explained that the digital payment system will commence with the new academic session. He warned principals, bursars and other school officials against collecting money directly from parents or students.

The Ministry has also engaged principals across the state to sensitise them to the new payment platform and explain how the system will operate.

Ajibefun said the government would no longer tolerate situations where parents are asked to pay illegal or unauthorised fees without proper documentation.

Parents’ Complaints Prompted Government Action

The Commissioner revealed that the decision followed complaints from parents during the previous academic session concerning alleged illegal collections in some public schools.

Following the complaints, Ajibefun said he visited several schools to verify the allegations and found that unauthorised collections were taking place.

The findings prompted the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology to work with relevant stakeholders and a technical team to develop a digital payment system capable of making school financial transactions traceable and properly documented.

Funds to Be Remitted to School Accounts

Ajibefun disclosed that the digital payment initiative had received the approval of Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

He explained that money paid through the platform would be remitted to the appropriate school accounts, allowing school finances to be properly recorded and monitored.

The Commissioner assured school authorities that the system was primarily designed to eliminate financial irregularities rather than create unnecessary difficulties for schools.

He also urged school bursars to cooperate with the organisation responsible for operating the payment system.

Education Ministry Urges Bursars to Support the Initiative

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Dr. Akindele Ige, urged school bursars to work with other stakeholders to ensure that they fully understand how the new digital payment platform works.

He stressed the importance of proper orientation so that school officials can provide accurate information to parents and students.

The Chairman of the Association of Bursars of Secondary Schools, Fisayo Fapounda, welcomed the initiative, describing it as a positive step towards improving transparency in the management of school finances.

However, Fapounda called on the payment gateway operator to engage members of the bursars’ association and provide adequate orientation to prevent misinformation and ensure smooth implementation.

The Ondo State Government’s decision marks another step towards greater accountability in public school financial management, while the success of the policy will depend on effective implementation, proper monitoring and cooperation among school officials, parents and other stakeholders.