Former State Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State, Ogun Funmilayo Theresa, widely known as OFT, has publicly criticized the state government, accusing it of promoting a deceptive free education policy.

In a statement released on Sunday by her Special Adviser on Media, Oladimeji Atenibiaje, Funmi Ogun expressed her displeasure with the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, claiming that the supposed free education program is misleading and not reflective of the true situation on the ground.

Ogun argued that, despite the government’s claims of free education, both primary and secondary schools in the state are still demanding exorbitant fees from parents and students.

She questioned the validity of the free education policy, stating, “What Governor Biodun Oyebanji proclaimed as free education when he assumed office was deceptive.

As we speak, the primary and secondary schools are still charging obnoxious fees. Where is the free education they are talking about?”

A key issue raised by Ogun was the recent decision to increase boarding fees in secondary schools, effective from the 2024/2025 academic session.

She criticized the upward review, particularly in light of Nigeria’s current economic challenges, arguing that the timing of such an increase demonstrates a lack of sensitivity on the part of the state government.

Ogun, a former commissioner and PDP governorship aspirant, noted that the new fees would place undue financial burdens on struggling families.

According to a circular issued by the Ekiti State Ministry of Education, the boarding fees for secondary school students were raised to N90,000, with an additional facility fee of N10,000, bringing the total to N100,000.

Ogun pointed out that this amount exceeds the fees charged by some federal universities in Nigeria, questioning how secondary school students could be asked to pay such a steep price.

“This is rather insensitive. Some federal universities in Nigeria are not even paying above N100,000.

How come a mere secondary school is being made to pay such a huge amount?” she said.

“This shows that the free education policy was a fluke and a deception that holds no water.”

Funmi Ogun urged Governor Oyebanji to be more transparent and honest with the people of Ekiti State, emphasizing that the government should stop presenting a false narrative about its education policy.

“As a government, you can’t afford to be deceiving the people. People are paying, and the government is flaunting free education all over the place. This is unacceptable,” she asserted.

Turning to the political landscape, Ogun also spoke about her party’s preparations for the upcoming 2026 governorship election.

She revealed that efforts are underway to foster reconciliation and mobilization within the PDP, with the aim of strengthening the party and enhancing its appeal to the electorate.

“The party has set up a caretaker committee that will oversee operations until democratically elected structures are in place.

Our main objectives now are reconciliation and mobilization to ensure that our party is strong, united, and ready to win the confidence of the people in the next election,” she said.