The Ondo State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has denied authorising an alleged blood-testing exercise at CAC Adu Memorial Grammar School, Oke-Aro, Akure, following reports that students were required to pay ₦8,000 for the procedure.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Bisi Lawani, the government said it neither approved nor directed the exercise. It also stressed that school principals were not empowered to organise such activities or impose related charges without the necessary approval from the appropriate authorities.
The ministry specifically rejected any suggestion that the payment formed part of an approved state policy, stating that it had not introduced a requirement for public-school students to pay ₦8,000 for blood testing. It said that, if the reported collection occurred, it was carried out without the ministry’s authorisation.
The government further disclosed that it had been informed of the reported involvement of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), which it said was expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and establish the facts. The ministry said appropriate administrative and legal action would follow if the allegations were substantiated.
The development has raised questions about the approval and supervision of activities conducted within public secondary schools, particularly where students or their parents may be asked to make payments. While the ministry has denied approving the exercise, the circumstances surrounding the reported test and collection remain subject to investigation.
The ministry reminded principals and school administrators that they are responsible for effective school management and must maintain proper oversight of staff, students and activities on their premises. It warned that unauthorised charges and activities could undermine public confidence in the state’s education system.
It also urged parents, guardians, students and members of the public to report suspected irregularities in public schools to the relevant authorities for investigation. The ministry reaffirmed its stated commitment to student welfare, transparency and accountability in the administration of public education.
The outcome of the investigation is expected to clarify whether the blood-testing exercise took place as reported, who organised it, and whether any students or families were charged. Until those facts are established, the reported payment should be treated as an allegation rather than an officially approved school charge.
