The Education Secretary of Ohafia Local Government Area, Sunny Okechukwu, has issued a stern warning to heads of public primary and junior secondary schools in the area over reports of illegal fee collection and unauthorized graduation ceremonies.

Speaking during a meeting with school leaders at Ebem, the LGA headquarters, Okechukwu reminded the educators that Governor Alex Otti's administration has declared free education for all pupils in public primary and junior secondary schools across Abia State.

Despite this, there have been troubling reports that some teachers are still demanding levies from pupils. Okechukwu warned that any staff caught violating the free education policy or organizing banned ceremonies would face disciplinary actions.

“The government has made education free and is paying your salaries and entitlements on time. There’s no excuse for collecting any money from pupils,” he said.

He emphasized that the ban on graduation ceremonies in public schools remains in effect and must be strictly followed.

The Education Secretary ordered that all illegal fees collected be refunded immediately and called on teachers to focus on their primary responsibility of educating children, not exploiting them.

This move is part of the state’s broader effort to uphold transparency, fairness, and access to quality education without financial burdens on parents.