The Lagos State Government (LASG) has stated that an increase in boarding school fees at its model colleges is unavoidable in order to improve students’ welfare.
Mr. Ganiu Lawal, Deputy Director, Public Affairs, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Lagos State, revealed this in a statement released on Monday.
Lawal stated that pupils in the boarding schools constituted more than one percent of the total basic and secondary school student population in the state’s public schools.
According to Lawal, the N35,000 boarding school fees paid since 2021 are unrealistic in 2024.
The Lagos State Government had approved an increase in boarding school fees for all public boarding schools in the state.
Boarding fees at all public secondary schools in Lagos State will be reviewed beginning with the 2024/2025 session.
The newly approved charge is N100,000 and begins on September 15, 2024, when the session resumes.
“The Ministry is aware of dissenting views by some parents to the inevitable increase in boarding fees in our model colleges.
“This was not an easy decision, but the welfare of the children is a priority for the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education and the Lagos State Government.
“Since enrolment of a child into a boarding school is an individual choice for every parent, they are expected to pay boarding fees.
“The boarding fee is paid every term, and it is used basically for feeding, janitorial, and other miscellaneous costs related to keeping them in the hostels per term,” Lawal said.
Lawal explained that the schools took care of energy costs on fuel and cooking gas, which are essential for preparing the students’ meals.
“The model college students enjoy all other privileges of free education vis-à-vis the provision of education infrastructure, free tuition, and technology support (free devices).
“Also provision of adequate security in schools and payment of terminal examination fees; the state government pays WAEC fees for all public school students.
“Ideally, none of our parents will testify to the reasonability of feeding a child of 12 to 18 years with N35,000 for 3 months.
“A comparative analysis of federal and state public schools with boarding facilities across the country shows Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education is still very considerate with the reviewed rate in spite of the incomparable cost of food and other expenses,” he said.
Lawal stated that good food is important not just for physical growth but also for mental alertness, and that the Ministry does not want any boarding student to appear emaciated or lack critical thinking skills.
He emphasised that the government accepts responsibility for the health and well-being of pupils while they are in school, but that this will require the full collaboration of all parties.
As a result, the ministry official urged parents to discuss their concerns with the state administration and be understanding for the sake of their children.
Remember that the Lagos State Government offers free education at 1,021 elementary schools, 369 junior secondary schools, and 329 senior secondary schools, including 32 model colleges throughout the state.
