By Jubril Bada

The Ondo State Government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that no public school or publisher adds to the financial burden on parents by selling uniforms or textbooks directly to students.

It stated that schools are being closely monitored to prevent any violations of this directive, with warnings issued to principals to adhere strictly to the guidelines.

The State Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Mr Laolu Akindolire, made this known during a joint briefing with his counterparts from the Ministry of Environment, Mr Oyeniyi Oseni; Information and Orientation, Mr Wale Akinlosotu; Agriculture and Natural Resources, High Chief Olayato Aribo; Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, Land and Housing, Pastor Ayoade Babalola; and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Agric Business, Mr Rotimi Akinsola, held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre.

He said the Ministry has issued a clear directive to public schools, emphasising that principals should provide samples of school uniforms for parents to sew for their children.

On textbooks, he explained that the state government has approved a list of textbooks for use in all public schools in the state, adding that the Ministry has warned principals not to sell textbooks to students and that textbooks should be sourced from bookshops.

Regarding the new federal education policy setting an age limit of 18 for candidates sitting the WASSCE and NECO examinations, the Commissioner said it is a national issue on which the state government and stakeholders will engage to reach a decision.

He also mentioned that the process of recruiting teachers into public schools in the state is almost complete, as the state has zero tolerance for examination malpractices.

He appealed to anyone with evidence of public schools in the state collecting illegal tuition fees from students to come forward.