Parents of boarding students of Eva Adelaja Girls Grammar School in Bariga, Lagos, came to the streets on Sunday to protest the Lagos State government’s decision to raise boarding tuition from N35,000 to N100,000.
The protesters assembled in huge numbers, screamed slogans, and demanded an immediate reversal of the fee increase.
They stated that the school would not reopen until their demands were fulfilled.
Protesters held banners and placards with messages such as “No reversal, no resumption!” “Free education is our right,” and “We say no to this fee increment.”
The demonstrators held banners and placards with messages such as “No reversal, no resumption!” “Free education is our right,” and “We say no to this fee increment.”
A letter addressed to all boarding school principals and signed by Olufemi Asaolu, Director of Basic Education Services at the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, announced the fee hike.
The letter, dated Friday, reads, “The state government has approved the review of the boarding fee payable in all public boarding house schools in Lagos State. The newly approved fee is N100,000 only.”
The letter, headed ‘Review of Boarding Costs in All Public Secondary Schools in Lagos State for the 2024/2025 Session,’ also stated that institutions should not collect any additional costs.
It stated that the resumption date was now planned for Sunday, September 15, 2024.
Segun Bashorun, a parent and Public Relations Officer for the Senior School Parents’ Forum, voiced dissatisfaction with the unexpected increase.
In a conversation with our journalist, Bashorun stated, “We should have been consulted before such decisions were made. The fee was increased just two days before resumption. There was hardly any time for parents to adjust.”
He continued, “The economic situation is tough, and the increased transportation costs are also a burden. Many parents are struggling, and some are even in tears. We appeal to the government to involve us in such decisions. We need to be part of the conversation since we are the ones paying these fees.”
Another protester was seen on video saying, “Our children aspire to become presidents and governors in the future. How can we keep them at home because we can’t afford the new fees? The cost is too high, and we are pleading for help. Governor, please assist us!”
