society
Did You Approve Boarding Fee Hike In Technical Schools, Delta Parents Ask Governor Oborevwori
Did You Approve Boarding Fee Hike In Technical Schools, Delta Parents Ask Governor Oborevwori
Parents of students in Delta State-owned Technical schools are seeking to verify if Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is aware of a recent hike in boarding fees from ₦85,000 to ₦250,000 per term.
The parents said that they are asking in view of the fact that there is no justification for the sharp hike, especially when Federal Government Colleges, some private schools as well as the Delta State-owned model secondary schools charge far less.
They also highlighted their concerns, citing the financial hardship that the hike has thrown them into.
In an open appeal, the parents asked the governor to clarify whether the fee increase was approved by his office or implemented by the Ministry of Technical Education without his consent. They also pointed out that the state owned government model secondary schools and colleges charge N60,000 while some private schools in the state capital, Asaba, charge ₦150,000, while similar schools in Lagos charge around ₦100,000 as boarding fees.
“We are struggling to understand why the state technical schools are demanding such a high amount. Federal Government Colleges charge ₦85,000 and even the State Government Model schools like Nana Government College Ughelli and others charge N60,000. We are even surprised that the best private schools in Asaba charge less than what is now being asked of us,” said a concerned parent.
A teacher from Ofagbe Technical School, speaking anonymously, expressed concern over recent fee increases imposed by the Ministry of Technical Education. He noted that the annual fee for junior and senior classes rose from N1,850 to N3,400, along with an additional compulsory N15,000 for medical and administrative charges. He also noted that prents are struggling to meet these new financial demands, leading many to withdraw their children from the school.
The teacher lamented that this situation disproportionately affects poorer families, who are already facing economic hardships. He added that although Delta State is supposed to provide free education in line with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) guidelines, the recent fee hikes contradict this promise, even as students are forced to pay for textbooks and medical services.
According to him, the unfortunate situation has led to a decline in enrolment numbers as families opt for other public secondary schools with lower fees, which range from N1,700 to N2,700. The teacher emphasized that the current educational policies seem to cater more to the middle class, risking a crisis in the educational sector.
Master Ochuko Favour, a young boy who recently completed his primary education, shared his disappointment at being unable to pursue his dream of attending technical school due to the financial burden. He revealed that he will settle for a local government secondary school. His plight highlights the systemic barriers that many students face in accessing education.
Also, a recent circular from the Ministry of Technical Education, dated September 17, 2024, has sparked concern over increased levies for students in government technical schools. While some fees align with those approved for public secondary schools, many stakeholders are questioning specific charges, particularly for students in JSS 1-3 and Pre-Vocational classes. These include a N2,000 administrative charge, a N3,000 medical fee introduced last academic year, a termly sports levy, and the mandatory purchase of Mathematics and English textbooks solely from the school.
Parents and stakeholders argue that these fees contravene the Compulsory, Free Universal Basic Education Act of 2004, which exempts students in the Basic Education Cohort from paying for government-provided services. They maintain that there is a pressing need for the state government to clarify the rationale behind these fees, as many view them as disguised tuition charges.
The situation is particularly concerning given that other states are actively working to improve their technical education systems and increase enrolment. The community is calling on the Delta State government to investigate the Ministry of Technical Education’s policies, suggesting that these changes may disproportionately burden low-income families and contradict the broader educational goals of the administration. The perception is that the ministry is prioritizing revenue collection over the needs of students and the community, which could undermine the vision for equitable education in the state.
A parent of a female student who gained admission to the school has decided to reject the offer in favor of a public model secondary school in Warri with boarding facilities. She cited lower fees and essential amenities as key reasons for her choice. Concerned about her child’s safety and the lack of basic facilities like electricity and water, she questioned why she should pay N250,000 for boarding when the school’s resources seemed inadequate. She expressed frustration over the Ministry’s failure to ensure the schools are functioning properly despite significant investments in its infrastructure.
Beyond the financial burden, the parents also raised concerns about the deplorable conditions of some of the technical schools. Reports from various institutions in the state reveal overcrowded classrooms, lack of electricity, and facilities and in some of the new model technical schools workshops and laboratories are now being converted into makeshift classrooms without adequate furniture. Parents who visited the schools said there was no official available to address their concerns.
“The classrooms are overcrowded, and there’s no light. Our children are not getting the education they deserve despite the high fees. When we visited to clarify the situation, there was no one to speak with us,” lamented Mr. Joseph Ighotegwolor, a concerned parent.
The parents also questioned why the Ministry of Technical Education continues to admit new students despite the existing lack of space and facilities to accommodate them. They urged the governor to intervene, fearing that the Ministry are more focused on increasing revenue than providing quality education as the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education is not left out in this revenue drive by conducting supplementary entrance examination into the state model schools whereas most of the classrooms in the schools are already overcrowded.
Adding to their concerns, the parents highlighted a policy that forces students in the various technical schools who fail their promotion examination to leave the school without giving them the opportunity to repeat the classes. Many see this as an unfair practice, particularly in an environment that is not conducive to learning.
“Instead of helping students improve, they are asked to leave if they fail their exams. This is not right. These are young students who deserve support, not expulsion,” said Mrs. Amaka Udeh, a parent from Effurun.
The parents called on Governor Oborevwori to urgently investigate the fee increase, address the challenges affecting the technical schools, while ensuring their children receive a quality education.
Meanwhile, the recent policy change by the Ministry of Technical Education mandating entrance exams for all technical schools, including the six conventional ones, has created significant barriers for prospective students. Previously, these conventional schools accepted students without an entrance exam, making them accessible to a broader demographic.
With the entrance exam requirement, many students, especially those from lower-income backgrounds who struggle with funding, are unable to compete for admission. This situation has forced them to continue in regular public secondary schools, potentially limiting their vocational training opportunities and future career prospects.
Advising the government, the parents noted that adressing this issue may require revisiting the admissions policy to ensure that all students have equitable access to technical education, possibly by providing financial support for exam preparation and related costs or by reinstating more inclusive admission criteria for conventional schools.
Alleged Manipulation of Defilement Case Sparks Call for Review of Legal Advice in Lagos
By Ifeoma Ikem
A legal controversy has emerged in Lagos following a petition seeking a review of a legal advice issued in a case involving two female teachers accused of negligence in a child injury incident at a nursery school in Ikorodu.
The petition, submitted by Crown Cannan Attorneys, urges the Lagos State Ministry of Justice to reconsider the legal advice issued on September 16, 2022, in the case titled Commissioner of Police vs. Ambassador Rukayat Tobiloba and Rukayat Lawal.
Addressed to the former Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Moyosore Onigbanjo, the application argues that the legal advice may have been influenced by what the petition describes as a “deliberate manipulation of facts.”
According to counsel representing the defendants, the allegations stem from an incident that allegedly occurred on October 26, 2021, at Great Kezino Nursery and Primary School located in the Adamo area of Ikorodu, Lagos.
The defendants, Ambassador Rukayat Tobiloba, 26, and Rukayat Lawal, 24, were reportedly the class teacher and assistant class teacher respectively in charge of a Nursery One class where the incident occurred.
Court documents indicate that a three-year-old pupil, identified as Victim A, was reportedly injured after another pupil allegedly pierced a pencil into her private part during school hours.
The prosecution claims the incident occurred due to the failure of the teachers to exercise adequate care and supervision over the children under their custody.
Based on this allegation, the two educators were charged with negligence under Section 252 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, which addresses acts that may cause harm through lack of proper care.
The defendants were subsequently arraigned before Magistrate Court No. 2 in Ikeja on April 19, 2022, where they faced a one-count charge relating to the incident.
During the investigation conducted at the Gender Unit of the Lagos State Police Command in Ikeja, several civil society groups reportedly monitored the proceedings.
Among them were representatives of the African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) and other non-governmental organizations.
These groups reportedly raised concerns about what they described as a growing tendency to weaponise allegations of child abuse in ways that could unfairly damage reputations and careers.
In its petition, the defence team argued that the case deserves a fresh review to ensure that justice is served based on verified facts rather than assumptions or public pressure.
They urged the Ministry of Justice to carefully reassess the legal advice and the circumstances surrounding the investigation to determine whether the prosecution should proceed as currently framed.
Legal observers say the outcome of the requested review could determine the next stage of the case and may also highlight broader concerns about investigative procedures and child protection cases within the justice system.
Reacting to a viral social media post by Ambassador Rukayat Tobiloba, who claimed she might be jailed for defilement, the head teacher of Great Kezino Nursery and Primary School, Mrs. Edaolaropin Toyin, provided the school’s account of events.
According to her, the pupil identified as Victim A was enrolled in the Nursery One class on September 20, 2021, which had about 15 pupils.
She explained that on October 26, 2021, the pupil was transported home on the school bus after closing hours and handed over to her father around 4:30 p.m.
“Later that night, the pupil’s mother allegedly contacted the head teacher, claiming her daughter cried while bathing and alleged that a male classmate, Victim B, had inserted a pencil into her private part during school hours,” she said.
The school, however, rejected the allegation, maintaining that no such incident occurred while the child was in its custody.
“The following morning, the teacher visited the pupil’s home, where the father reportedly denied the mother’s account of the incident,” Toyin added.
She said the situation escalated later that day when the child’s parents arrived at the school with police officers from Imota Police Station demanding that the alleged male classmate be produced.
The head teacher further stated that the school management had supported Tobiloba throughout the legal process.
“Since the incident happened, the school management has never stopped supporting Tobiloba’s welfare until last year when she sent a WhatsApp message saying she was no longer interested in the court matter, claiming she had relocated to Ibadan,” she said.
She described the claims currently circulating on social media as “defamatory narratives.”
*GEN CG MUSA SUPPORT INITIATIVE MOURNS FALLEN HEROES AND URGES UNITY IN SECURITY SUPPORT
The Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa Support Initiative (GCGMSI) expresses its heartfelt condolences to His Excellency Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa OFR, Minister of Defence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Grand Patron of the Initiative, and the families of the fallen heroes who courageously lost their lives in a recent attack by ISWAP in Konduga, Marte, Jakana, and Dalori in Borno State, northeast Nigeria. Among the tragic losses were three senior military commanders: Major U.I. Mairiga, Lt-Col Umar Faruq, and Lt-Col S.I. Iliyasu, who dedicated their lives to the service of our nation.
The GCGMSI implores the public to continue supporting our security agencies, emphasizing that the safety and security of our nation is a collective responsibility. Every day, our security forces pay the ultimate price to safeguard our country. We urge the public to remain supportive, pray for their success, and refrain from politicizing the security challenges we face.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Convener, Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani Sadaukin Garkuwan Keffi/Betara Biu, which has been made available to the press. The statement highlights the initiative’s profound concern for the losses sustained by our security personnel and reflects on the broader security situation in Nigeria.
In his unwavering commitment to addressing the insecurity plaguing our nation, the Minister of Defence, Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa, has consistently engaged in urgent meetings with service chiefs, reinforcing strategic plans to combat threats and enhance national security. His leadership and decisive actions demonstrate a dedication to restoring peace and stability across our regions, ensuring a safer environment for all Nigerians.
society
SECURITY IS A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY: BACKING OUR MINISTER OF DEFENCE GEN. CHRISTOPHER GWABIN MUSA OFR
SECURITY IS A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY: BACKING OUR MINISTER OF DEFENCE GEN. CHRISTOPHER GWABIN MUSA OFR
By Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani
In these challenging times, it is essential for all Nigerians to rally behind our leaders, particularly His Excellency Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa OFR, the Minister of Defence. The security of our nation is not a matter to be taken lightly or politicized. Gen. Musa, recognized for his unwavering dedication and sacrifice, has served our country commendably throughout his life.
Following the recent reshuffle of service chiefs by President Asiwaju Bola Ahamed Tinubu GCFR, which resulted in Gen. Musa’s retirement as Chief of Defence Staff, many voiced their concerns. Yet, upon his appointment as Minister of Defence, there was a renewed sense of hope among the populace. Gen. Musa has embraced his role with an unwavering commitment, often sacrificing his rest to ensure the safety and security of our great nation.
While it is undeniable that Nigeria faces security challenges, we must approach these issues with unity rather than division. It is crucial to recognize that those who politicize our national security are often those who have not contributed positively to the success of our security agencies. Instead of spreading negativity, we should support Gen. Musa in his mission to restore peace and stability.
To achieve our collective goal of a secure Nigeria, we must provide Gen. Musa with the trust he deserves. His vision and determination, paired with our support and prayers, can pave the way to overcoming the challenges we face. It’s time for every Nigerian to put aside political differences and work together for the common good. Let us have faith in our leaders and trust in Gen. Musa’s ability to steer our nation towards safety and security.
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