Lokoja, Kogi State – July 3, 2025
Widespread discontent is brewing among parents of students in private schools across Kogi State over what they describe as unjustified and exploitative levies being imposed by school proprietors. The parents are now pleading with Hon. Wemi Jones, Kogi State Commissioner for Education, to urgently intervene and rescue them from the growing extortion.
Forced to Pay Graduation and Party Fees for Non-Graduating Students
In exclusive interviews with our reporter, several parents—who requested anonymity—shared disturbing experiences of being compelled to pay graduation and party levies for their children, even when the students were not in graduating classes.
“They told us it’s mandatory for every parent to contribute, whether your child is graduating or not. It’s not just unfair—it’s extortion,” one father said.
Alleged Collusion Between School Staff and Owners
Parents further alleged that school staff are collaborating with private school owners to defraud them under the guise of purchasing academic materials and development levies. They claimed they are repeatedly asked to buy textbooks with minor modifications or pay exaggerated fees for activities they never approved.
“Even the PTA dues are unaccounted for. We don’t see any meetings or developments, yet we keep paying,” another parent stated. Why should we be the one paying for the development of a private school while the school owners are reaping the profits? The owners of the schools are expected to develop their own facilities, not we, the parents
Violations of School Establishment Standards
Experts and concerned parents pointed out that many private schools operate without meeting the basic requirements for secondary school approval—such as the provision of fields, libraries, or science laboratories.
“Some schools are nothing more than shops with blackboards. Yet they charge like they’re international academies,” one education stakeholder observed.
Government Inspections Biased Against Public Schools
A common concern raised by parents is the lack of effective inspection and regulation of private schools. According to them, government inspectors focus more on public schools while leaving private institutions largely unchecked.
“The government needs to inspect these private schools the same way they inspect public ones. Right now, it’s one-sided,” said a mother of three.
Allegations Against Ministry Directors
In a disturbing twist, parents accused some Directors within the Ministry of Education of conniving with private school owners to cover up these exploitative practices. They claimed that certain officials are shielding the schools from scrutiny, effectively keeping the Commissioner unaware of the true situation.
“We believe Hon. Wemi Jones is not aware of all this. Some Directors are hiding the truth from him. That’s why we are pleading directly to him to step in,” a concerned parent pleaded.
Parents Appeal for Urgent Intervention
In a unified voice, parents across the state are now calling on Hon. Wemi Jones, the Kogi State Commissioner for Education, to launch an independent investigation into the activities of private schools and their relationship with some ministry officials.
“We need the commissioner to save us from this extortion. Let there be transparency. Let there be fairness,” they urged.
A Call for Reform and Oversight
The parents have also urged the state government to review closure times, standardize levies, and establish an official complaint channel for parents facing exploitation. They believe that only firm policy enforcement and genuine oversight can restore sanity to the private education sector.
As the situation unfolds, education stakeholders and watchdogs are watching closely, hoping that action from the Commissioner will bring relief and restore accountability in the system.
