Education Ministry Cracks Down on Teachers Charging for Extra Lessons, Warns of Criminal Action
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has issued a stern warning to teachers demanding payment for extra lessons, describing the practice as an abuse of public office and a form of corruption.
Officials said that educators risk both disciplinary action and criminal charges if found soliciting money from parents for work they are already paid to perform.
Also Read: Report All Teachers Charging For Extra Lessons: Ministry Tells Parents As Schools Open
Ministry Warns Teachers Against Charging for Extra Lessons
Taungana Ndoro, the ministry’s Director of Communications and Advocacy, emphasized that teachers who exploit their positions betray public trust and undermine the education system.
“This is corruption in public office. The office of a teacher is the classroom. If that teacher is in that classroom and uses the power and authority within him or her to abuse that platform, to say, ‘parent, give me money so that I can teach your child,’ a job which you are already being paid for by government, then you are corrupt and you are supposed to be put to task,” he said
How Parents Can Raise Concerns
The ministry outlined clear steps for parents to report misconduct.
Concerns should first be addressed with the class teacher, and if unresolved, escalated to the school head, then to provincial offices, and ultimately to the ministry’s head office. Parents are encouraged to ask for explanations whenever extra fees are requested.
Ndoro said that raising questions about fees is not just allowed but necessary to ensure transparency and accountability.
Uniform Policies Under Scrutiny
The ministry also addressed reports of schools requiring parents to purchase uniforms exclusively from the institution. Officials clarified that public schools cannot force parents to buy uniforms from a specific supplier, though colour codes must still be followed. Parents may purchase uniforms from any legal source, and any attempt to enforce a monopoly is considered unlawful.
Private schools, while operating under contracts with parents, remain under ministry oversight in matters such as fee approvals and travel arrangements.
Tackling Corruption in Schools
Ndoro acknowledged that some headmasters and district officials have been complicit in corrupt practices, which can complicate reporting. He urged parents to persist in using official channels to ensure accountability.
“Schools demanding extra payments or monopolising uniforms are breaking the law. Parents should report these cases so that children and families are protected,” Ndoro said.
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