Enugu State Ministry of Education Warns Schools Against Excessive WAEC and NECO Fees

The Enugu State Ministry of Education has issued a stern warning to schools against charging excessive and extortionary fees for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and National Examinations Council (NECO) exams. The ministry has made it clear that any institution found guilty of such practices will face severe consequences, including legal prosecution, dismissal from service, and revocation of approvals and licenses.

This announcement comes as part of the state government's effort to curb exploitation in the education sector and ensure that students and parents are not unfairly burdened with exorbitant costs. The ministry emphasized that the government has set standard fees for these examinations, and any school attempting to inflate these costs for personal gain is engaging in unethical and illegal conduct.

Schools Must Adhere to Approved Fees

The Ministry of Education has reminded both public and private schools that they are required to comply strictly with the government-approved fee structure. Any deviation from the stipulated fees will be considered an offense and will attract serious penalties.

In recent times, there have been increasing complaints from parents about schools demanding outrageous sums for WAEC and NECO registrations. Some schools allegedly impose additional fees under different guises, making it difficult for many students to afford these crucial examinations. The government’s new directive aims to put an end to such practices and protect the interests of students and their families.

Consequences for Defaulters

The ministry has outlined the possible repercussions for schools found guilty of overcharging students, including:

• Legal prosecution of school administrators involved in extortion.
• Dismissal from service for any government school official caught participating in the exploitation.
• Revocation of approvals and licenses for private schools that violate the directive.

These measures are meant to serve as a deterrent and ensure compliance across the state.

Parents and Students Urged to Report Violations

The government has also encouraged parents and students to be vigilant and report any cases of overcharging to the appropriate authorities. This will help the ministry take swift action against erring schools. Parents are advised to demand transparency from schools and insist on receipts for any payments made.

A Step Towards Affordable Education

This crackdown on excessive exam fees is part of the broader efforts of the Enugu State government to promote affordable and quality education. By enforcing these regulations, the government aims to ensure that no student is denied the opportunity to sit for their WAEC or NECO exams due to financial constraints.

The Ministry of Education has reiterated its commitment to monitoring compliance and taking strict actions against violators. Schools are, therefore, urged to align with the government's directives, while parents and students should remain informed and proactive in demanding fairness.

For further inquiries or to report cases of extortion, parents and students are encouraged to contact the Enugu State Ministry of Education through its official channels.

By enforcing these policies, Enugu State is taking a significant step toward a fair and transparent educational system where every student has an equal chance to succeed.