Education Crisis Looms as Lagos Parents Reject N100,000 Boarding Fee Increase

In a concerning turn of events, parents in Lagos, Nigeria are protesting a sudden and significant increase in boarding fees at Model Colleges. The fees have jumped from N35,000 to a staggering N100,000 per term, leaving many families struggling to cope amidst the country’s ongoing economic challenges.

Families Stretched Thin by Economic Hardships

The fee hike has sparked outrage among parents already grappling with rising inflation and a high cost of living in Nigeria. Many families are finding it increasingly difficult to afford the new fees, with some parents expressing their inability to pay the N200,000 required for two children attending the Model Colleges.

Protests and Demands for Reversal

Hundreds of parents have taken to the streets, peacefully protesting outside the gates of Lagos Model Colleges in Ojo and Meiran. They have barred their children from attending school until the fee increase is reversed, carrying placards with slogans like “From N35,000 to N100,000,” “No Reversal, No Entry,” and “Where is the Free Education You Promised Our Children?”

Accusations of Insensitivity and Broken Promises

Parents have accused the Lagos State Government and school authorities of insensitivity, stating that the fee hike is unaffordable and goes against the promise of accessible education. They argue that the government should have considered the economic hardships families face before implementing such a drastic increase.

Ongoing Standoff and Uncertain Future

There has been no official response from school authorities, and the standoff continues, with students remaining out of classrooms. Parents remain resolute in their demands: no reversal, no re-entry. The impasse raises serious concerns about the future of education in Lagos, as it highlights the delicate balance between maintaining educational standards and ensuring affordability for families already stretched thin by economic hardships.

In conclusion, the education crisis in Lagos has reached a critical juncture, with parents rejecting the N100,000 boarding fee increase and demanding immediate action from the government. As the standoff continues, policymakers must find a solution that addresses the concerns of both parents and schools, ensuring that quality education remains accessible to all children in Lagos.