EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
The Education Editor of the PATH NEWS chats the Principal of Oyemekun Grammar School Akure, Mr. Ogunleye Okeowo in his office where he speaks on the newly introduced Education Trust Fund by the government of Ondo State.
What is your position on the newly approved Education Trust Fund by the government of Ondo State?
It is commendable and welcome idea that every parent should embrace; without mincing words, it is long overdue. When you compare amount being paid in private schools with public, there’s a big difference. Students in the public schools pay N7, 000 per year and if the government is now asking the parents to support the Trust Fund with just N1000, I think government is considerate enough. It is just a way of generating fund for education development in the state.
In what way would the levy collected from this ETF help in growing and developing education in the state?
I want to believe that the revenue will be used to further develop education sector in the state. The government of Arakunrin Akeredolu is very prudent with resources and the money will definitely be channeled to education development. Our Honorable commissioner of education is a visionary man that share the same vision with the governor and I have no doubt in my mind that the money will be use judiciously. Whatever the government realize from the Education Development Fund would be used to further build more schools, employ teachers among other needs. Since inception of Governor Akeredolu administration, he has invested a lot in education and there’s nothing bad if the government asks parents to contribute paltry #1,000 to the education of their children.
How would you rate the performance of your students in the just concluded WAEC?
We thank God that we have a crisis free examination with no record of examination malpractice among my students. From day one to the last day, everything went smoothly. We provided conducive environment for the students and on inspection visit to the school, both the Commissioner of Education and Permanent Secretary commended our students for their comportment and playing according to the rules guiding the exam. I want to commend my boys for abiding with the rules of the school guiding exam writing. During the exam period, we ensure no student wear underwear, no phones among others, all these measures were put in place to prevent examination malpractice.
Why is your school strict on students during exam while it is not so in some schools where principals allegedly encourage examination malpractice?
I have read it in newspapers and other news portals of how some principals encourage examination malpractice, that is their level of exposure. How can a principal or teacher of grade 10 to 15 Level aid and abet students in examination malpractice? This simply implies that those teachers or principals were aided in examination during their secondary school days. It is very shameful for a whole principal to indulge in this act. I read how two principals were caught aiding examination malpractice in their respective schools; principal of any school can’t be less than level 16 but to descend so low, it is shame on the part of such principal. We don’t allow such in Oyemekun Grammar School and whoever is caught in the act would be sanctioned. From our JSS 1 to other classes, whoever is involve in the act will be expelled from the school. We don’t harbor criminals and the moment any student is caught, he will be advice to withdraw and send out of the school.
What is your expectations from your students who have just completed their WAEC?
I am expecting nothing but excellent results. When you do the needful, the students will excel. I am using this medium to thank my teachers who are dedicated to their duties. No lazy teacher can work in Oyemekun because we don’t give room for laziness. I don’t condole indolent. Those schools where you see teachers and principals encouraging examination malpractice, their teachers have failed in their responsibilities. We have read report of principal collecting money from students during exam, collaborating with exam supervisor to perpetuate this shameful act. With hard work and grace of God, our students are excelling. We ensure our students buy all necessary books mostly books of core subjects; that is why you see some parents complaining of our strictness but it is for the good of their children. It’s mandatory for all students to have complete textbooks and Higher Education Books, at least ten. One of the prerequisites for registration is having textbooks of core courses among others requirement.
What is your advice for parents in terms of cooperating with the government on the Education Trust Fund?
My sincere appeal to the parents is to cooperate with the government on the Education Trust Fund, it is for the good of our children. Let’s try as much as possible to pay the level. It is just N1000 for a year which I believe is affordable to all parents. Mr. Governor, the Commissioner of Education and Ministry of Education are doing well as far as education development is concern in Ondo State. Parents should be faithful and pay the level and I believe nobody will say the money is too much for them to pay.
