By Olayinka Olukoya
Copyright tribuneonlineng
The Ogun State Government, on Tuesday, suspended the principals of Ilugun High School, both Junior and Senior schools, Mrs. Olukoga Adeyemi and Mrs. Ladipo Temitope, over illegal fees, which led to students’ protests.
Students of the school were seen in a video destroying school property.
Addressing newsmen, the State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Abayomi Arigbabu, said the Ministry is conducting a preliminary investigation over the death of a yet-to-be-identified person whose death might have sparked the protest.
He explained that the deceased might have been illegally enrolled into the school, saying he was identified by three different names Babalola Ayornide, Salako Jimoh, and Afolabi Babalola.
The Commissioner stated that the Principal of the Junior School, Olukoga, had been involved in collecting illegal fees.
“We have all become aware of the incident that took place at Ilugun High School (Junior), Elega. I stand before you this afternoon to confirm that the incident did happen in the school.
“First, let me, on behalf of the State Government, express condolences to the parents and family of the deceased.
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“Our preliminary investigations have revealed a twist. The young man who lost his life could not be confirmed as a student of the school.
“He was identified by three different names Babalola Ayornide, Salako Jimoh, and Afolabi Babalola. Yet, none of these names appear in our official state education database, the OGSERA platform, which authenticates all school enrolments. This points to the likelihood of an illegal enrolment.
“In addition, we also discovered that the Principal of Ilugun High School (Junior) had been involved in the collection of illegal fees. In light of these findings, government has decided to place both the Junior and Senior Principals of Ilugun High School on suspension while we conduct an investigation into the causes of this incident.
“Also, in order to keep abreast of happenings in schools, a scheme called Whistle Blowers has been established by the government through the Teaching Service Commission to control illegalities and wrongdoings.
“Let me assure the people of Ogun State that the administration of His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, remains committed to provide free education for every school-age child in this State, irrespective of where they live, their gender, economic status, religious belief, or political affiliation,” he said.
