Ondo warns principals, headmasters against illegal collections

Ajibefun  said the punishment for erring school administrators would depend on the gravity of their offences, noting that sanctions could include transfer, queries, removal from office and other disciplinary measures.

His words, “Nobody is above being reprimanded. Depending on the level of the offence, we will take the necessary action.”

He disclosed that the ministry had already taken action against some school heads over various infractions, including failure to properly account for funds collected from students.

According to him, in one of the cases, a head of school was found to have collected money from students without proper authorisation. The school head was subsequently directed to refund the money, with further disciplinary action to follow.

The commissioner said the ministry would not tolerate illegal collections in schools, stressing that principals were expected to exercise proper control over their schools and ensure that government policies were obeyed.

He also recounted instances where school heads were found absent from their duty posts, saying the ministry had taken steps to enforce regular attendance and accountability among school administrators.

Ajibefun said the ministry would continue to monitor schools to ensure that principals and head teachers performed their responsibilities effectively.

He, however, commended the majority of principals and teachers in the state for their commitment to maintaining discipline and improving academic standards.

The commissioner cited the recent performance of a student from St. Joseph College, Ondo, who emerged first in a national mathematics competition involving the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, as evidence that public schools in the state were making significant progress.

He said the government’s disciplinary measures were not designed to punish school administrators or students unnecessarily, but to ensure that standards were maintained.

“Whatever step we take is not to punish anybody, or to punish a school, but to ensure that the quality continues to go up, so that we continue to remain the best when we talk of education,” he said.

The commissioner assured compliant school heads of the ministry’s support, but warned that those who failed to live up to expectations would face appropriate sanctions.

“Heads of schools are expected to control their staff and control their students. They are expected to maintain discipline among staff and students,” Ajibefun said