Akwa Ibom APC condemns fee reintroduction in public schools

By Bassey Anthony, UyoAll Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State has urged parents to withdraw their children from public schools over the rumoured reintroduction of fees and levies.A statement by its Publicity Secretary, Nkereuwem Enyongekere, alleged that the state has reportedly directed the payment of N500 levy by each student, and another undisclosed amount.The party said payment of fees and other levies negates the free and compulsory education which was introduced by the Godswill Akpabio administration.The statement reads: We have been disturbed by the news that the government has approved the reintroduction of fees in public schools.But more distressing and worrisome is the fact that the government has not been open with this matter. In one report, we read that the government has approved a levy of N500 on each student, and another report said an unstated amount was approved as fees.Read Also; 31,000 persons for 774,000 public jobs in Akwa IbomWhatever the case, we say that any imposition of financial burden on the already impoverished citizens, whether levy or school fees, would lead to serious negative consequences. We therefore call on the government to cancel such action. There is a limit to what our people can endure.Former Governor Akpabio introduced free and compulsory education in the early days of his administration. He later expanded the programme to include scholarships and bursary awards to medical and law students.But the government, in a statement yesterday by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Comrade Iniobong Ememobong, said it has not reintroduced fees and levies in public schools.The government said its commitment to free and compulsory education was still intact.The statement reads: There are more than 300 projects ongoing in different schools across the states. The government is still fully committed to the sustenance of the free and compulsory education policy. Government does not receive, and has not indicated any interest to receive money from pupils and students or their parents.However, where parents, groups or communities, in response to calls for contributory development of education, choose to voluntarily support schools, government shall not oppose it.The 10-year educational development plan is being pursued. The education machinery has been reinvigorated to deliver on the targets set by the proposal. We urge the people to continue to support the governments drive to ensure qualitative education at all levels. Parents, guardians, responsible companies and community leaders are encouraged to contribute and participate in the development of education in the state.
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