By Obiageli Nwankwo
The Anambra State Government has renewed its crackdown on unauthorised charges in public schools, urging parents and guardians to report school administrators who violate the state’s free education policy.
The government reiterated that no parent should be subjected to illegal financial demands that could prevent children from accessing education, warning that teachers and school administrators found collecting unauthorised levies would face disciplinary action.
The renewed enforcement builds on directives issued in May 2026, when the government reaffirmed its prohibition of illegal charges in public schools and warned that violations would attract sanctions.
In July, the Ministry of Education further strengthened the policy by prohibiting compulsory graduation ceremonies and associated levies. Schools were also directed to obtain approval before changing prescribed textbooks, while the reuse of textbooks was encouraged to reduce the financial burden on parents.
Enforcement efforts have also resulted in disciplinary measures. In August, the Post Primary Schools Service commission directed two principals to step aside following unannounced monitoring visits that uncovered alleged unauthorised collections. The affected administrators were also instructed to refund the money collected from students within seven days.
To strengthen public participation, the commission has provided channels for parents to report suspected violations, including illegal payments demanded for admission, tuition, lessons and examinations.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to submit complaints to the Ministry of Education through [email protected]. Complaints should include the name of the school, the principal or head teacher involved, and a contact telephone number to facilitate investigation. Receipts, text messages and other supporting evidence may also be attached where available.
The government maintains that the success of its free education policy depends not only on issuing directives but also on consistent monitoring, public cooperation and appropriate sanctions against confirmed violations.
School administrators are therefore expected to adhere strictly to approved education guidelines, while parents are encouraged to speak up whenever they encounter suspicious or unauthorised demands.
The state government’s position reinforces its commitment to making public education more accessible, protecting families from unnecessary financial pressure and ensuring that no child is denied the opportunity to learn because of illegal school charges.
The government maintains that the success of its free education policy depends not only on issuing directives but also on consistent monitoring, public cooperation and appropriate sanctions against confirmed violations.
School administrators are therefore expected to adhere strictly to approved education guidelines, while parents are encouraged to speak up whenever they encounter suspicious or unauthorised demands.
The state government’s position reinforces its commitment to making public education more accessible, protecting families from unnecessary financial pressure and ensuring that no child is denied the opportunity to learn because of illegal school charges.
Obiageli Nwankwo is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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