The Atorise Eto Eko of Osogbo, Osun State, Alhaji Dr Abdulfatai Adesina Kolawole, has called on the Osun State Government to ensure that public education is genuinely free by eliminating hidden and compulsory charges imposed on parents and guardians.
Kolawole, who made the call in a message commemorating World Teachers’ Day, also appealed to the government to improve teachers’ welfare and provide adequate infrastructure and teaching materials to enhance the quality of education in the state.
The former teacher and former Permanent Secretary of the Osun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) commended teachers across Osun State and Nigeria for their dedication, sacrifices and commitment to educating and moulding future generations.
He said teachers remained central to nation-building, noting that their responsibilities went beyond classroom instruction to include character development, talent nurturing and preparing young people for the challenges of the future.
Kolawole expressed particular appreciation for teachers who continue to discharge their duties despite difficult working conditions, stressing that the progress of any society is closely connected to the quality of education available to its citizens.
He, however, urged the Osun State Government to revisit the implementation of free education in public schools, saying no child should be denied access to education because of the financial circumstances of his or her parents.
He specifically called for an end to compulsory payments presented under such descriptions as development levies, examination fees, placement fees and other charges that, according to him, could impose additional financial burdens on parents.
“The essence of free public education is defeated when parents who cannot afford such additional charges are made to struggle before their children can fully participate in school activities,” he said.
The Atorise Eto Eko also called for greater transparency in the administration of school-related charges, saying parents and guardians deserved clear information about any approved fees or contributions required within the education system.
He urged the government and other stakeholders to sustain the educational ideals associated with the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, whose free-education programme in the former Western Region played a significant role in the development of education in Nigeria.
“The legacy of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and the vision of making education accessible to every child must not be forgotten in Osun State.
“We should continue to uphold the principle that a child’s access to education should not depend on the financial strength of his or her parents,” he said.
Kolawole further called for sustained investment in teachers’ welfare, school infrastructure, teaching materials and professional development.
He said quality education could only be achieved when teachers were adequately motivated and provided with a conducive environment to perform their duties.
He also urged parents, government, teachers, traditional institutions, communities and other stakeholders to work together to build an education system that is accessible, transparent, affordable and focused on quality.
Kolawole prayed that Almighty Allah would continue to grant teachers wisdom, strength, sound health and renewed commitment in their noble responsibility of shaping future generations.
He wished teachers across Osun State and Nigeria a happy World Teachers’ Day celebration.
