The Ebonyi State Ministry of Education has launched an official investigation into allegations that more than 87 public and private schools across the state have been imposing illegal levies for graduation, valedictory, and award ceremonies.

The Commissioner for Education, Donatus Ilang, on Monday confirmed that the government intervened following numerous complaints from aggrieved parents.

Some parents alleged that their children were sent out of examination halls or barred from participating in vital school activities simply because they could not afford to pay the charges.

According to the filed complaints, the fees demanded by school administrators ranged from ₦2,000 to ₦10,000 per student.

A preliminary investigation panel set up by the ministry has already reportedly corroborated the claims, with 53 students verifying the allegations made by their parents.

Moving forward, the Ministry of Education stated that principals, head teachers, and proprietors of the affected schools were being invited to formally respond to the allegations as the probe continues.

Ilang noted that special surveillance teams had been deployed across the three senatorial zones of Ebonyi State to monitor compliance with government directives and enforce approved education policies.

He emphasised that any institution found to have violated the state’s education policies would face strict sanctions in accordance with the law.

The ministry made it clear that culpable schools would face severe consequences, including withdrawal of operational approval or licensing, imposition of heavy penalties as provided by relevant regulations, and legal prosecution where deemed necessary.

The ministry concluded its statement by advising all school administrators to comply fully with government directives, warning them to immediately refrain from imposing unauthorised levies on parents or engaging in any practices that undermine the state’s educational standards. (Channels TV)

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