Published on 27/02/2024
In a bid to ensure fair and affordable education for all the government has declared a firm stance against schools that flout regulations by imposing exorbitant fees on parents.
This decisive action set to take effect from the second term of the 2024 academic year reflects the government’s commitment to addressing the longstanding issue of skyrocketing school fees.
Led by the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES), the government has vowed to crack down on errant schools that defy directives aimed at curbing unjustified fee increments.
Dr. Joyce Kaducu, the state minister for primary education, announced that stringent measures will be implemented, including the closure of non-compliant private institutions.
Central to the government’s intervention is the formulation of a statutory instrument to enforce regulations on fee structures. This instrument will mandate schools to adhere to a set of guidelines, prohibiting charges for various items such as infrastructure developments and activities of governing bodies like the Board and Parents’ Teachers’ Association (PTA).
Dr. Kaducu emphasized that the government will leave no room for non-compliance, asserting, “We are not going to allow this to continue. We are going to bite — and this time round biting hard.” The minister’s resolute stance underscores the seriousness of the government’s crackdown on fee exploitation in schools.
Furthermore, in a move to alleviate the burden on parents, the government has reiterated its commitment to implementing free and compulsory Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Secondary Education (USE) starting in 2025. This initiative aims to counteract the adverse effects of high school fees and ensure access to quality education for all students.
Addressing concerns raised by school administrators regarding staffing shortages, the government has pledged to address the issue by confirming acting head teachers with the requisite qualifications. This measure seeks to stabilize staffing levels in schools and mitigate the need for fee hikes to cover personnel expenses.
As the government intensifies its efforts to regulate school fees and enhance educational accessibility, stakeholders are called upon to support these initiatives. By working together, government officials, educators, and parents can ensure that every child receives the education they deserve, regardless of their socio-economic background.
