As the country prepares for reopening of schools for the new academic year, the Ministry of Education (MOE) is informing all schools to desist from arbitrarily hiking of fees (all fees). In order to address this action, the Ministry is encouraging all Heads of private, faith-based, and school secretariats to adhere to the mandate.
The ministry noted that schools are required to submit a request for approval from the MoE for any upward adjustment in their fees, using the last academic year as baseline. Such Requests must be accompanied by justification.
“Schools must make available samples of uniforms at their campuses for voluntary purchase by students and parents. The purchase of uniforms and apparels must be straightly on a voluntary basis. No school must mandate parents or students to purchase these items from their campuses, otherwise risk been levied sale taxes and all duty free privileges revoked.
“All private schools must reveal all fees, including graduation fees, in the ‘Information Sheet’ from the beginning of the school year.
“Following review and assessment of the school’s proposal for increment, the MoE will approve or decline through an official written communication. The Ministry insists that private schools will be penalized for unjustifiable increment if the additional fees do not commensurate with the service(s) provided,” a MOE release noted.
“Meanwhile, the general public is encouraged to report (call 1416) any school engaged in arbitrarily increasing its fees without evidence of approval from the MoE.
“In preparation of the new Academic Year 2020/2021, the Ministry of Education confirms that all fees approved by the National Parents-Teachers Association that are collected in public schools will be paid using LonestarCell/MTN Mobile Money and/or Orange Money, respectively,” the release continued.
Public schools administrators have been cautioned against overcharging students and mandated to accept payments of only the approved amount stipulated as follows: grades 1—6, L$1,000; grades 7—9, L$2,000; and grades 10—12, L$3,000.
“The public is encouraged to contact the office of the Director of Communications, MoE, Maxim Bleetahn, to report any public school that charges above the amount specified. Public schools fees should only be paid through the mobile money system,” the MOE release concluded.