The free education policy, promised during the inauguration of the present administration, remains sacrosanct towards curbing out- of - school and ensuring access to qualitative education in the state.

Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu stated this during the First Term Pre-Resumption Stakeholders' Meeting for 2024/2025 Academic Session with Principals, Headteachers and Parent Clubs in public primary and secondary schools, as well as Government Technical Colleges, at Lisabi Grammar School, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, emphasising that the free education policy of the government was non-negotiable

Prof. Arigbabu warned that government would not tolerate any reported case of learners being sent home for not paying school fees or levies, saying government have made adequate provisions for facilities, such as furniture and other teaching and learning materials for smooth running of the education process.

The Commissioner hinted that the state would soon make a policy, whereby each school must have space for farming, as well as woodwork and carpentry workshops, to ensure food sustainability and inculcate maintenance culture, adding that school activities resumes immediately for efficient academic activities.

"Being a Principal comes with a responsibility and as Principals, you must maintain decorum and avoid running foul of government policies", he said.

Speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Primary and Secondary Education, Mrs. Ronke Soyombo, who described teachers as future moulders, urged Principals to maintain standards in their schools, monitor lessons and impart safety tips, admonished parents to invest in their children by buying them books, school uniform, bags and sandals for desired development.

Highlighting the importance of the programme, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Oluwatosin Oloko, stated that the meeting aims at brainstorming on the modalities of resumption, such as ensuring security tips around the school, improve teaching and learning, urging the stakeholders to join hands with the government for positive and desired standards.

In their goodwill messages, the Principal General, Remo Block, Mrs. Olubunmi Womiloju; the State President of All Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools, (ANCOPSS) Mr. Adeniyi Adekoya and the Chairman, Association of Primary School Headteachers of Nigeria, (AOPSHON), Mrs. Folake Onabajo, appreciated the Ministry for creating such a platform where stakeholders could rub minds on how to move the education forward, pledging their dedication towards providing quality teaching for learners and ensure policies of government were entrenched.

Rolling out security tips for safety in and around school premises, the Assistant Commissioner for Police, Operations, who doubles as the State Coordinator, Safe School Protection Squad, ACP Manger Fergus, as well as the Commandant, National School Crime Prevention Corps, Folayinka Ige and State Coordinator, Safe School Project of National Security and Civil Defense Corps, Superintendent Rachel Orishawo, suggested cordial relationship with security agents, perimeter fencing, security cameras and hiring of security guards, as major steps to ensure security in schools.