Ondo Govt Disowns Alleged ₦8,000 Blood Test In Public School

The Ondo State Government has denied approving an alleged blood-testing exercise at CAC Adu Memorial Grammar School, Oke-Aro, Akure, saying no public school was authorized to carry out such an activity or collect money from students for it.

The state Ministry of Education, Science and Technology said it neither approved nor directed the exercise reportedly conducted at the school.

The ministry made its position known in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Bisi Lawani, on Tuesday, Naija News reports.

“The Ministry wishes to state categorically that it did not authorize, approve or direct the said blood-testing exercise,” the statement said.

It added that school principals were not permitted to organize such an exercise or impose any related financial charge on students without approval from the appropriate authorities.

The ministry expressed concern over the allegation that students were asked to pay ₦8,000 for the blood-testing exercise.

It said no policy had been approved requiring students in public schools to pay such an amount for blood testing.

“The Ministry has not approved any policy requiring students in public schools to pay such an amount for blood testing. Any such collection, if established, was therefore undertaken without the authorization of the Ministry,” it said.

According to the ministry, it had been informed of the reported involvement of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in the matter.

“The Ministry has also been informed of the reported involvement of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in the matter to investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident and establish the facts,” the statement said.

The ministry directed school principals and other administrators to comply with approved government policies, regulations and directives.

It said principals must be aware of activities taking place within their schools and exercise proper oversight over staff, students and school activities to prevent unauthorised actions.

The ministry warned against unauthorized financial collections and activities capable of affecting public confidence in the state’s education system.

“No individual is permitted to use his or her position to impose unauthorized charges or undertake activities capable of undermining the confidence of parents and the general public in the State’s education system,” it said.

Parents, guardians, students and members of the public were also urged to report suspected cases of unauthorized collections or other irregular activities in public schools to the appropriate authorities.

The ministry said disciplinary and legal action would be taken if investigations established the allegations.

“The Ministry assures the public that, where the allegations are established after due investigation, appropriate administrative and legal action will be taken against any officer found culpable,” the statement said.

It reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to protecting students’ welfare, promoting transparency and accountability in public schools, and maintaining the integrity of the education system.