The Ogun State Government has suspended the principals of Ilugun High School, Elega, Abeokuta following the tragic death of a student during a protest allegedly sparked by illegal fee collection. The decision, announced by the Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, has attracted nationwide attention, raising concerns about student safety, illegal levies in public schools, and the accountability of school leadership.
In this detailed report, we examine the background of the incident, the reasons behind the suspension, the government’s reaction, and the implications for parents, students, and school administrators.
Key Facts About the Ogun Student Death Incident
- Event: Death of a student during protest at Ilugun High School, Abeokuta
- Date: September/October 2025 (as reported by Ogun State Ministry of Education)
- Principals Suspended:
- Mrs. Olukoga Alaba (Principal, Junior School)
- Mrs. Ladipo Olabisi Temitope (Principal, Senior School)
- Cause of Protest: Alleged collection of ₦7,500 as “illegal fee” before students could check results
- Deceased Student: Identity confusion – names reported as Babalola Ayornide, Salako Jimoh, and Afolabi Babalola (not found in official OGSERA database)
- Security Involvement: Amotekun Corps was called to intervene during the protest
- Government Action: Immediate suspension of both principals, launch of investigation, whistleblower scheme introduced
- Education Policy Reminder: Ogun State reaffirmed its commitment to free education at public schools
Background of the Incident
The controversy started when students accused the junior school principal of demanding ₦7,500 before releasing examination results. This sparked a protest, during which students vandalized school properties.
The situation escalated when security agents, including the Amotekun Corps, were invited to restore order. In the chaos, one student reportedly jumped over the school fence into a canal/river while fleeing, and tragically drowned.
Videos of the protest quickly went viral on social media, fueling outrage and prompting swift action from the Ogun State Government.
Ogun State Government’s Response
Suspension of Principals
Both the junior and senior principals were suspended indefinitely, pending the outcome of investigations. The government noted that while the senior school principal may not have been directly responsible, suspension was necessary to ensure fairness and transparency.
Full Investigation
The government announced a thorough investigation into:
- The alleged illegal collection of fees
- The circumstances of the protest and property destruction
- The role of security agents and how the student died
- Why the deceased student’s name did not appear in the Ogun State Education Revitalisation Agenda (OGSERA) database
Whistleblower Initiative
To prevent future incidents, the Ogun Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) launched a whistleblower scheme where students, parents, and teachers can anonymously report illegal activities in schools.
Reaffirmation of Free Education
The government emphasized that education in Ogun public schools is free. No student should be charged unauthorized fees, regardless of location, gender, religion, or economic background.
Who Was the Deceased Student?
Confusion surrounds the identity of the deceased. Reports mention three different names — Babalola Ayornide, Salako Jimoh, and Afolabi Babalola.
However, according to Ogun State’s official records, none of these names exist in the OGSERA database, raising questions about whether the student was formally enrolled in Ilugun High School.
This forms part of the ongoing investigation.
Issues Raised by the Ogun Student Death
- Illegal Fees in Public Schools
- Highlights the persistent problem of extortion and illegal levies in Nigeria’s education sector.
- Student Safety During Protests
- Raises concerns over security involvement and the handling of student demonstrations.
- School Leadership Accountability
- Reinforces that principals are responsible for both academic performance and student welfare.
- Record-Keeping in Public Schools
- Calls into question data integrity in state education records.
Implications of the Suspension
- For Principals & Teachers: Stricter monitoring of activities and accountability in handling student grievances.
- For Students: Greater protection of rights and stricter enforcement of free education policies.
- For Parents: Need to remain vigilant against illegal fees and verify their children’s school records.
- For Ogun State Education Policy: Possible reforms in monitoring systems like OGSERA and introduction of tougher penalties for illegal levies.
What Parents and Students Should Do
- Confirm Official Fees: Always verify official school fees and charges with Ogun State Ministry of Education.
- Use Whistleblower Channels: Report illegal levies or extortion in schools through official TESCOM whistleblower schemes.
- Keep Records: Ensure students are properly registered in the OGSERA database.
- Engage in Dialogue: Encourage peaceful conflict resolution within schools before escalation.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why did Ogun State suspend the school principals?
They were suspended over allegations of illegal fee collection and poor handling of the student protest that led to a student’s death.
2. Was the deceased student a registered student of Ilugun High School?
Confusion exists, as his names were not found in Ogun State’s OGSERA education database. Investigations are ongoing.
3. What is OGSERA?
OGSERA (Ogun State Education Revitalisation Agenda) is the official database for student enrollment in the state.
4. What is the whistleblower scheme?
It is a new initiative by TESCOM allowing anonymous reporting of illegal practices in Ogun schools.
5. Is education free in Ogun State?
Yes. The government has reiterated that basic education in Ogun public schools is free and illegal levies are strictly prohibited.
Conclusion
The suspension of Ogun State school principals over a student’s death marks a crucial turning point in the state’s education sector. Beyond the tragedy, it highlights the urgent need for transparency, accountability, and strict enforcement of free education policies.
While investigations continue, parents, students, and educators must collaborate to ensure schools remain safe learning environments where illegal levies and mismanagement are completely eliminated.
👉 Stay tuned for updates as the Ogun State Government releases more findings on this sensitive issue.
