Parents in Lagos have launched protests against a sharp increase in boarding fees at state model colleges, with many vowing to keep their children out of school until the decision is reversed.
The Lagos State Government raised termly boarding fees from 35,000 naira (£35) to 100,000 naira (£100) on Friday, sparking widespread anger among parents already struggling with economic pressures.
Demonstrations have taken place outside model colleges in Ojo and Meiran, with parents holding placards reading “No Reversal, No Entry” and “Say No to Boarding School Fee Hike”.
Mr Ifeukwu Samuel, vice-chairman of the Parents’ Forum at Lagos State Senior Model College, Ojo, told the Punch newspaper: “The parents were never informed of this increase in advance. We’ve been preparing to resume since last Sunday, but on Friday, a circular suddenly announced the 200% increase in boarding fees.”
The fee hike was communicated via a letter to school principals from Olufemi Asaolu, director of Basic Education Services at the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.
Surv. Dapo Dawodu, chairman of the Parents’ Forum of Lagos Model Colleges, described the increase as “mindless and provocative” in a letter to parents.
Some parents are now considering transferring their children to other schools, with one anonymous parent reporting that house masters are advising against bringing children to school during the dispute.
The state government has yet to respond formally to the protests. School authorities suggest the increase is necessary to cover rising operational costs, but parents argue it’s insensitive given the current economic climate.
As the standoff continues, affected students remain out of school with no clear resolution in sight.
