Ebonyi Govt to sanction schools charging exorbitant fees for exams

To ensure quality and affordable education in Ebonyi State Southeast Nigeria, the state government has warned schools, especially the private schools to desist from charging students above the stipulated fees for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and National Examination Council (NECO) in the state.

The  State Commissioner for Education Dr Oyebuchi Chima  gave the warning  during a meeting with  Proprietors and Principals of schools in Abakaliki, the state capital.

The meeting also involved Members and Executives of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) and Faith-Based Secondary Schools among others.

Chima stated that any school involving in such act of extorting money for WAEC and NECO examinations would be sanctioned by de-registeration.

The Commissioner decried the situation where some private schools charged a student to pay a sum of N106, 000 for WAEC examination.

On examination malpractice, Chima also warned against engaging students in such act, noting that the state government would not allow such act and such schools would be de-recognised when caught.

President of NAPPS, South-East zone, Mr Onyeoma Agbo commended the state government on its policies to ensure qualitative education in the state.

On Ezza-Effium crisis, where many private and Public schools have been destroyed, Agbo sought more assistant from the government to ensure that students in the area register for WAEC and NECO.

“Let me announced to the people in Ezza-Effium, that my school is open to register and accommodate for WAEC and NECO examinations, free of charge,” the President noted.

Voice of Nigeria (VON) recalls that Ezza and Effium communities, Ohaukwu local government area have been in crisis due to National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) leadership tussle since February 21.

The state Governor, David Umahi had disclosed that several houses, including school, lives and property worth of millions have been destroyed in the area.

The State Coordinator, National Business and Technical Examination Board (NABTEB), Mr Emmanuel Irogboli advised the people of Ebonyi to start taking NABTEB Examination en mass as certificate from it is higher than WAEC and NECO.

He said NABTEB Certificate will give students both skills  and make them an entrepreneur.

Also, during the meeting, NECO State Officer, Mr Nyam Edokor said NECO has been doing well in the State and has also made the State one of the best States that performs well in the last exams.

One of the school proprietors, Reverend Father Colinus Chukwu urged Government to always remember private Schools while distributing  Science equipments.

The State Chairman of NAPPS Ebonyi State chapter said his members were ready to obey and abide by the rules guiding schools and urged members to desist from extorting students.

Lateefah Ibrahim