By Sandra Kenneth
The Rivers State Government has reiterated its strict zero-tolerance policy on illegal fees in public schools, warning that administrators who collect unauthorized levies from parents will face severe sanctions.
The Commissioner for Education, Dr. Peters Nwagor, issued the warning on Monday during an on-the-spot monitoring exercise as public schools across the state officially reopened for the 2026/2027 academic session.
“School admission is free, and education is free in Rivers State. Every parent should endeavour to send his or her child to school without any form of payment. That remains the education policy of the State,” Nwagor declared.
Accompanied by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mina Tele Ikuru, and senior officials, the commissioner inspected several facilities, including Community Secondary School, Rumuepirikom; Community Secondary School, Olanada; and State Primary Schools 1 and 2, Olanada.
The monitoring exercise follows a directive issued during a pre-resumption stakeholders’ meeting with principals and headteachers last Friday, where the ministry formally banned all unapproved fees to ease the financial burden on parents and ensure full accountability across the sector.
Expressing satisfaction with the high turnout of staff and students on opening day, Nwagor confirmed that teaching and learning had commenced immediately. He urged parents who have yet to send their children back to class to do so without delay.
On her part, Dr. Ikuru charged students to maintain discipline and stay committed to their studies, while praising teachers for their dedication on day one of the new school term.
