The Rivers State Ministry of Education has disowned a letter circulating online and on some radio stations alleging that the ministry approved new “students’ enrollment fees” of ₦35,000 and ₦38,000 for various items.
In a statement issued on Monday, September 15, 2025, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Mrs. Ndidi Chikanele Utchay, described the report as false, baseless, and the handiwork of mischief makers.
Dr. Utchay clarified that she did not authorize anyone to issue such a letter on her behalf, adding that the Director of Secondary Education, Mrs. Alua Adiela, also did not sign any such document. She urged the public to disregard the purported directive.
The ministry reiterated its commitment to implementing the state government’s free education policy and warned principals against collecting any unauthorized fees from students.
The statement, signed by the Director of Administration, Emmanuel Evans Dappa, FCAI, further cautioned that anyone found imposing such levies would face the consequences.
