Ondo debunks report of punishing teachers who enrol children in private schools

The Ondo State government has refuted claims that it plans to punish teachers in the state public school who enrol their children and wards in private schools.

The state government was reacting to report in the media which claimed that the government in Ondo state averred that enrolling children in private schools is an offence.

Reacting to the report, Olabode Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State, said the statement which is credited to the Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) Rt. Hon. Victor Olabimtan, was misconstrued.

According to the statement, there’s no law stopping civil servants in the state, especially teachers, from enrolling their children in any school.

“Undoubtedly, the Ondo State Government under Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, has made huge investment in the education sector in the state, especially in Primary and Secondary Schools. Tertiary institutions not excluded. The rot, which pervaded public schools in the state before the Akeredolu administration assumed office is fast disappearing. This has also led to increase in student enrollment in most of the schools.

“Under the Akeredolu administration, over 800 Public Primary Schools have been reconstructed and renovated with perimeter fence, ICT center and play group equipment. The students now enjoy modern desks and chairs procured by the Akeredolu administration. Besides, Governor Akeredolu recently recruited over one thousand teachers in the Public primary schools.

“It is based on this background that teachers in the public schools were urged on moral ground to enroll their wards in public schools for confidence building. This will subsequently increase enrollment and further encourage government to embark on more upgrade of public schools.

“Succinctly, there is no policy or law in Ondo State that forbids anyone in the service of the government, including teacher, from enrolling their wards in any school. However, there is always a place for moral burden. It is, therefore, not an offence for teachers to enroll their wards in any school of their choice. But, it will be morally wrong for teachers, who are proud of their works and teachings to put their wards in a private school”