Unified Exams: Oyo Gov’t insists ban on illegal levies still in force

The Oyo State Government has insisted that the ban on collection of illegal levies in public schools is still in force, warning that the government would deal with anyone contravening the ban.

Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (OYOSUBEB), in a statement indicated that the warning became imperative as there were reports that some errant teachers compelled pupils to pay for the ongoing second term unified promotion examination in public primary schools.

The Chairman of the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran, monitoring the examinations in Ibadan, asserted that the present administration in Oyo State, since inception, has been responsible for the printing of question and answer sheets for its unified examination exercise.

Dr. Adeniran maintained that the government has ensured that the examination timetable is adhered to by all schools in the state.

He noted that though the government cancelled the payment of fees by pupils and students in public schools, it has been discovered that some errant staff imposed illegal fees in some areas.

Dr. Adeniran urged parents and guardians to report any case of collection of illegal fees to the Board, adding that the government is alive to its responsibilities.

The Chairman of the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, accordingly declared: “Let me begin by apologising to parents and guardians whose pupils were forced to bring money for examinations. This is not from the Board, and I will appeal to such parents to report the teachers to the Board.

“The Oyo State Government has ensured that all necessary arrangements are put in place for a hitch free examination exercise. We paid for the printing and delivery of question and answer sheets.”

Adeniran maintained: “We are committed to the free and compulsory universal basic education, hence, no school or head teacher found imposing or collecting any levy not approved by government, will go unpunished.

“The Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde has been regular in the payment of the Oyo State counterpart fund with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), hence, we access our funds and use them to develop infrastructure and capacity of personnel.’’

Adeniran explained that the campaign against examination malpractice and truancy in public schools were yielding desired results.

He commended the smooth conduct of examination in the centres visited.

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According to him, teams from the Board are in other zones of the state to monitor the ongoing examination exercise.

The Coordinating Director, OYOSUBEB, Mrs. Olaide Ladipo, Deputy Directors and Assistant Directors were on the monitoring team of the Chairman.
Schools visited last Tuesday include unity Basic School, 1&2, Olorunsogo; Community Primary School, Olosunde; Atolu Model School 1-4, Oremeji.
Others include, UAMC School, Eleja, Odo-Ona; AUD Primary School; UMC Basic School, Oke-Ado; Abiola Jacobs Schools 1,2,3; and Army Children School, Iwo-road.