Delta Introduces Charge On Use Of School Buildings

Worried by the spate of use of school buildings for social and religious activities without the permission of the school authorities or the ministry, the Delta State government, has said that the use of such buildings for these activities will now attract a fee of N20,000.

Making this known in Asaba,  at a meeting with Chief Inspectors of Education (CIE) in the state, the commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Professor Patrick Muobeghare said that the money would be paid to the ministry, stressing that it was only in Delta State that people use school premises for events without payment.

He expressed regrets that in most cases, the buildings were used without the permission of the schools’ authorities.

The commissioner directed all heads of schools in the state to ensure compliance with the policy, and warned that on no account must a school premises be used for any ceremony without the approval of the ministry, through the CIEs.

He also said that the ministry would surcharge school heads, who failed to heed to the directive, and advised the inspectors to undertake regular visits to schools in their areas, saying that was the only way they could keep teachers on their toes.

Earlier, Mrs. Roseline Ohwevwo, the Director of Inspectorate Division in the Ministry, commended the commissioner for laying a solid foundation for the restoration and sustenance of quality education in the state.

She also commended the inspectors for supporting the ministry in its determination to elevate the standard of education in the state.