BY JUMAI NWACHUKWU
Delta State Commissioner for Secondary Education, Mrs. Rose Ezewu, has ordered principals to immediately refund to students the unauthorized fees collected for registering for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) across all secondary schools in the state.
This directive was given during her routine monitoring of schools across the state to ensure that principals are adhering strictly to the approved guidelines for the 2025 BECE.
During her visit, Mrs. Ezewu expressed strong disapproval of the illegal charges imposed on students, emphasizing that the state government has set clear a standardized fee for the examination.
She reiterated that no School should impose additional financial burdens on students and parents, as this goes against the state’s commitment to making education accessible and affordable for all. She warned that any principal or school found guilty of such unauthorized fee collection would face strict sanctions.
She noted that the government’s policies on education are designed to ensure fairness and inclusivity, and any deviation from these policies would not be tolerated. She urged school administrators to comply fully with the official directives and reminded them that any attempt to exploit students through unapproved levies would be met with serious consequences.
Mrs. Ezewu also called on parents and guardians to remain vigilant and report any cases of unauthorized fees being demanded by schools. She assured them that the government remains committed to transparency in the education sector and would take immediate action to address any violations.
The Commissioner, while calling on parents to be vigilant noted that her visit was part of the Delta State Government’s broader efforts to ensure that every student has equal access to education without facing unnecessary financial barriers.
“Taking a firm stand against unauthorized fee collection, the government aims to protect students from exploitation and uphold the integrity of the examination process. Schools across the state are now under increased scrutiny, and principals have been strongly warned to comply with government policies to avoid punitive measures.” She said.