The Benue State Government has launched a strict crackdown on unauthorized school charges, declaring a zero-tolerance policy for illegal fees levied by school administrators in public schools.

The warning was issued by Dr. Terna Francis, Executive Secretary of the Benue Education Quality Assurance and Examination Board (BEQAEB), during a meeting with principals of public and private schools in Makurdi.

Dr. Francis highlighted the introduction of the e-Dossier system, now compulsory for all learners. The platform is designed to track student performance automatically, maintain credible academic records from Basic 1 to Basic 9 and from SS1 to SS3, and enable ranking and monitoring of schools.

He stressed that all payments for examinations are now fully automated, to be made online or through banking channels, effectively eliminating corruption and illegal collections.

“Staff of the board are no longer permitted to collect payments, issue receipts, or act as agents for any school or candidate. Principals and school administrators must channel all complaints and enquiries through official communication channels,” Dr. Francis said.

The BEQAEB chief described the reforms as a total rebirth of the education system, aimed at efficiency, integrity, and accountability.

“Our previous examination system lost credibility. Delays in results, years of unissued certificates, irregularities in exam conduct, and erosion of public trust embarrassed our education system and deprived students of genuine assessment,” he added.

The government has vowed to maintain strict oversight to ensure all public schools comply with the new policies, safeguarding both students’ interests and the integrity of the education sector.