The Benin government has announced surprise inspections in public schools to put an end to illegal fees being charged to students. According to a note dated October 30, 2026, the Ministry of Secondary Education has instructed departmental directors to stop all unauthorized collections of money from students. The move aims to enforce the government's decision to make schooling free for all girls in public secondary schools from the 2026-2027 academic year.
The decision to make schooling free for girls was made during a Council of Ministers meeting on June 3, 2026. An inter-ministerial decree on July 30, 2026, generalized this measure, and an envelope of 20 billion FCFA was allocated to improve access to clean water and electricity in public schools lacking these basic facilities. Despite this, some school heads have continued to impose unauthorized fees on students.
The Ministry of Secondary Education has expressed concern over reports that some school heads are still charging parallel fees, which are not authorized. These practices, described as "illegal and intolerable," hinder the right to education and compromise the national policy of social equity. The Ministry has also been informed that some students who cannot pay these unauthorized fees are being sent away.
In a bid to put an end to these practices, the Ministry has instructed departmental directors to ensure that no school head collects any sum of money outside the authorized school fees. Directors are also tasked with conducting surprise inspections in schools to verify compliance with the directives. School heads who fail to comply will be called to order, and the Ministry will be informed immediately.
The Ministry has emphasized that it will attach importance to the strict execution of these instructions. Only authorized fees should be paid, and no student should be sent away for financial reasons without the administration being involved. The surprise inspections aim to ensure that schools respect the government's decision to make schooling free for girls.
The Benin government has taken steps to ensure that schools have the necessary infrastructure to support free education. The allocated 20 billion FCFA will be used to improve access to clean water and electricity in public schools. This move is expected to encourage more girls to enroll in school and reduce the number of dropouts.
The Ministry's move has been welcomed by stakeholders, who see it as a step towards promoting equity and social justice in the education sector. The surprise inspections are expected to start soon, and school heads who are found to be flouting the directives will face consequences. The government's commitment to providing free education to all girls in public secondary schools is seen as a positive development in the country's efforts to improve education.
Key points
- Benin government to conduct surprise inspections in public schools to end illegal fees.
