The Ogun State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) has issued a stern warning to Principals, Vice Principals, and teachers in public secondary schools across the state to desist from collecting any unauthorised fees from students.

Chairman of the Commission, Apostle ‘Biodun Sanyaolu, gave the warning while featuring on a television programme in Abeokuta, stating that any school administrator or teacher found guilty of such misconduct would face strict sanctions.

Apostle Sanyaolu reaffirmed that the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration remained committed to its free education policy, which ensured that students in public schools were not required to pay any fee to access quality education.

He explained that the present administration, as part of its education reform agenda, had made it clear that no learner in public Primary or Secondary Schools should be charged any form of levy.

He noted that the State Government’s agenda on education was centered on delivering qualitative education that would promote academic excellence, as, any act capable of undermining this effort would not be tolerated.

The TESCOM Boss further urged teachers and other school staff to make use of the whistleblower platform to report any unethical practices within the school environment, reiterating the Commission’s commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in the teaching and learning process across the State.

Speaking on the preparedness for the implementation of the new national curriculum recently introduced by the Federal Government, Apostle Sanyaolu disclosed that the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, TESCOM, and other relevant agencies are working collaboratively to ensure its smooth adoption.

He added that TESCOM had also taken proactive steps to ensure equitable distribution of teachers across Secondary Schools in the State, noting that the recently engaged Ogun TEACh interns would further strengthen the existing teaching workforce for improved performance.

Apostle Sanyaolu commended school administrators, Parents Teachers Associations (PTAs), and Old Students’ Associations for their continued cooperation with the government, urging them to sustain their joint efforts in promoting discipline among students.

He revealed that the Commission had introduced a culture of diligence, hard work and perseverance in young learners that would encourage positive behavior among them.

" TESCOM has made it mandatory for all the Secondary Schools to incorporate into their morning devotion assembly periods,  an old inspiring adage, "  Ise Lo'gun Ise." meaning " Work is the antidote of Poverty", the Commission Chairman said.