Ondo denies approving N8,000 blood test in secondary school

The Ondo State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has dissociated itself from an alleged blood-testing exercise reportedly conducted at CAC Adu Memorial Grammar School, Oke-Aro, Akure.

The ministry said it neither authorised, approved nor directed the exercise, adding that no school principal was empowered to organise such an exercise or impose any related financial charge on students without approval from the appropriate authorities.

The ministry stated this in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Bisi Lawani on Tuesday.

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

“It further emphasises that no school principal is empowered to organise such an exercise or impose any related financial charge on students without the requisite approval from the appropriate authorities,” it added.

The ministry expressed particular concern over the allegation that students were required to pay N8,000 for the exercise.

“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 authorisation of the Ministry,” it said.

The ministry said it had been informed of the reported involvement of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps 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,” it said.

It advised all school principals and other administrators to comply with approved government policies, regulations and directives.

“Principals are expected to take full responsibility for the effective administration and supervision of their schools and must be sufficiently aware of activities taking place within their respective school premises and also exercise proper oversight over staff, students and school activities to prevent unauthorised actions and ensure compliance with government directives,” the ministry said.

It warned against unauthorised financial charges and activities that could undermine confidence in the state’s education system.

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

The ministry urged parents, guardians, students and members of the public to report suspected irregularities in public schools.

“The Ministry therefore urges parents, guardians, students and members of the public to report any unauthorised collection of money or other irregular activities in public schools to the appropriate authorities for prompt investigation and necessary action,” it said.

It added that disciplinary measures would follow if the allegations were established.

“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.

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