Delta State Commissioner for Primary Education, Dr Kingsley Ashibogwu, has urged members of the Owners of Private Schools Association of Nigeria (OPSAN) to strictly comply with the National Policy on Education as domesticated in the State.
The Commissioner gave the charge when the executive members of OPSAN, Asaba Chapter, led by their Chairman, Dr Cheks Emmanuel, paid him a familiarisation visit in Asaba.
Dr Ashibogwu clarified that the State government had not released any official directive on the suspension of graduation ceremonies or other related issues, noting that discussions were still ongoing with relevant stakeholders.
He expressed concern that many parents had been compelled to pay exorbitant fees imposed by some schools for extracurricular activities, not out of willingness, but for fear of their children being victimised.
The Commissioner, therefore, charged OPSAN to sensitise its members to desist from organising school programmes that impose unnecessary financial burdens on parents. He further warned that the Ministry would no longer tolerate any deviation from the approved curriculum, stressing that erring schools risk withdrawal of their operating licences.
Acknowledging the supportive role of private schools in the education sector, Dr Ashibogwu, however, urged operators to do more to sustain the cordial working relationship already established with the State government.
“I am sure you are aware of developments in other States, particularly concerning the suspension of graduation ceremonies and the constant change of textbooks.
“As a State government and Ministry, we have not issued any statement in that regard. However, as an Association, I urge you to enlighten your members to desist from practices capable of inflicting financial hardship on parents. “Equally, failure to adhere strictly to the approved school curriculum will attract sanctions, including the possible withdrawal of licences,” Ashibogwu said.
He also charged private school owners to comply fully with the academic calendar approved by the State government for all schools.
Earlier, the Vice Chairman of OPSAN, Sir Innocent Amiaka, said the visit was to familiarise themselves with the Commissioner and pledge their cooperation in advancing educational excellence in the State.
On behalf of the members, he pledged the Association’s readiness to support the Ministry in delivering quality education in line with established rules and regulations.
