The Lagos State Government has cautioned teachers and schools against conducting after-hours lessons beyond the official closing hours in public schools.
Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Alli-Balogun, made this known during the inauguration of a new block of classrooms and furniture at the Amuwo-Odofin Junior High School Complex.
According to Alli-Balogun, these additional sessions, for which pupils are charged, are no longer permitted.
The Commissioner clarified that the extra hour after school is designated for extra-curricular activities, which aims to encourage students to engage in social activities and clubs.
He expressed dissatisfaction with the prevalent practice where initial lessons are often disrupted by teachers in many public schools across the state, and warned of strict actions against any teacher found neglecting their duties.
Alli-Balogun stressed the importance of teachers fulfilling their responsibilities during the standard school hours of 8 am to 2 pm, leaving the extra hour for either personal study or participation in extra-curricular activities.
The Commissioner said the state does not permit fee-based extra lessons in schools, and since education in Lagos State is free, no charges should be imposed on students for any educational activities.
“Do your job at the right time between 8am -2pm, leave the extra hour either for reading or extra-curricular activities.
“We would no longer condone using that time for fee-paying extra lessons in our schools. Education is free in Lagos State and nobody should be charging any fee for anything,” he cautioned.