The Ondo State government has mandated that new intakes into public primary and secondary schools provide a hoe, cutlass, broom, locker, chair, and file jackets during their registration process.

Olaolu Akindolire, the state commissioner for education, science, and technology, stated this in a circular to warn heads of government-owned schools against levying new intakes in the state.

Mr Akindolire, in the circular signed by the permanent secretary of the ministry, Folasade Adegoke, said the state government had made available an approved list of collectables in public primary and secondary schools to all principals and headteachers.

“The circular also directed all new intakes to come to their school of choice with the following items: one hoe, one cutlass, a locker and a chair, a broom and two file jackets during the registration exercise,” a copy obtained by Peoples Gazette read in part.

He said the total fees from the new intake into primary schools was N5,000, while new intakes into secondary schools are to pay not more than N14,000.

According to him, the amount covers the PTA levy, examinations, ICT, sports development, utility, medical, security, entrepreneur/agric, CASS, running expenses, and administrative charges for external examinations, among others.

Warning against putting additional burden on parents, Mr Akindolire said no school head is mandated to collect money for textbooks or uniforms but to provide parents and guardians with a sample of recommended wears and a list of recommended books.

He also cautioned school principals and headteachers against collecting other items from the prospective students or charging additional levies outside the ones approved by the state government.