Goverment Restricts Excessive School Charges

Minister of State for Sports Addresses Parliament on School Fees and Requirements

In a recent statement to Parliament, the Minister of State for Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang, has communicated the government’s intervention against exorbitant school fees and requirements.

During the plenary sitting on Wednesday, 30 August 2023, Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, expressed concern about the unilateral increment of fees by school administrators.

Speaker Among demanded government regulations to prescribe the manner in which school charges and requirements can be levied, taking into account the prevailing economic circumstances and the convenience of parents. On Thursday, 31 August 2023, Hon. Peter Ogwang responded to these concerns.

Ogwang stated, “…the ministry shares the concern of honorable members about prohibitive school fees which are denying access to education for a number of learners and compromising the government objectives of providing affordable, quality education for all and increasing equitable access to education.”

As part of the interventions, arbitrary fee increments will no longer be permitted. Ogwang announced, “No school, private or government, shall increase school fees for whatever reason without written authorization from the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Sports and/or chief administrative officer/town clerk as the case may be.” He also emphasized that all non-cash requirements outside the approved school fees structure are strictly prohibited and must be included in the school budget.

However, Members of Parliament continued to seek more answers. Speaker Among questioned whether the circular categorizes schools based on factors like village or urban status and what recourse is available for parents facing ongoing fee increases. Hon. Charles Tebandeke expressed concerns that schools were still increasing fees without government intervention.

In response, Ogwang committed to presenting a comprehensive statement addressing all Parliament concerns. He mentioned, “…the Ministry of Education and Sports prepared a Cabinet paper on school fees regulations.

However, Cabinet directed the ministry to submit another memo on compulsory free education for all in line with the pledge of free education for all. The ministry is working on this process and will brief Parliament accordingly.” He is set to return on Tuesday, 05 September 2023, with the full brief.