The Abia State Government has frowned at the level of extortion occurring in some public schools, particularly in Ohafia Local Government Area of the state, and warned the heads of the affected schools to desist from such actions immediately.

The Education Secretary, Ohafia Local Government Education Authority, Dr (Mrs) Sunny Okechukwu Uma, made this known while meeting with heads of public primary and junior secondary schools in the area.

Dr Uma equally warned heads of public primary and junior secondary schools in the area to immediately stop the collection of illegal levies from pupils and students, as the free education policy of the Dr Alex Otti-led administration remains in place.

The Education Secretary used the occasion to restate the ban on graduation ceremonies in all public schools by the Abia State Government and directed the immediate refund of all monies collected for that purpose.

She made it clear that the administration of Governor Otti has prioritised the welfare of teachers, pupils, and students alike in the state, adding that teachers should reciprocate the gesture by the governor by being diligent in their duties.

Uma informed them that the government has put in place a special task force for the enforcement of government policies in the education sector and called on head teachers to adhere to the government’s directives.

The Abia State Government recently introduced a policy of providing heads of public schools in the state with an imprest to aid in the smooth running of schools and to prevent head teachers from collecting illegal levies from pupils and students. (Saturday Sun)