Sokoto State Govt Suspends School Fees in Public Secondary Schools, warns principals

The Sokoto State Government has ordered the immediate suspension of all fee collections in public secondary schools across the state.

The directive was issued by the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Prof. Ladan Ala, following the formation of a review committee to address widespread complaints regarding fees charged in schools. The suspension will remain in effect until the committee completes its assessment and submits its recommendations.

In a statement signed by the ministry’s Public Relations Officer, Ibrahim Mohammad Iya, the commissioner warned that any principal found violating the directive would face “immediate administrative action.”

Prof. Ala emphasized that under no circumstances should school heads demand payments for any of the following:

• Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) levy

• Admission fees

• Testimonial or statement of result fees

• Muslim Students Society (MSS) fees

• BECE (Basic Education Certificate Examination) statement of result or certificate fees

• SSCE (Senior Secondary Certificate Examination) charges or certificate fees for NECO, NABTEB, or NBAIS

• Answer sheets and screening forms

The move is part of ongoing efforts by the ministry to ensure equitable access to education and address concerns raised by parents and guardians over increasing financial demands in public schools.