Despite Kogi State’s “Free Education Bill,” parents are complaining that schooling is far from free, as students are still being charged compulsory fees.
Reports indicate that secondary school principals have been instructed to collect ₦4,000 per student, whereas schools under local government control require over ₦5,500 per student. Many parents say the charges defeat the purpose of the free education policy meant to ease their financial burden.
Critics have also accused the Ministry of Education, led by Wemi Jones, of failing to provide basic support for schools in the past three years. There has been no supply of learning materials, operational funds, or modern facilities — unlike what is obtainable in states such as Kaduna, Edo, and Taraba.
Teachers in the state are equally neglected, with no access to training, welfare packages, or loan schemes. Stakeholders are now calling on the government to live up to its promises by ensuring that education is truly free and effective.
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