Lagos Model Colleges Record Low Resumption Amid Controversy Over Boarding Fee Hike

Low student turnout was recorded at Lagos State model colleges as parents protested a 185.71% hike in boarding fees to N100,000, urging the government to reconsider the decision amidst economic challenges.

The resumption of students at Lagos State model colleges on Sunday was marked by a significantly low turnout as parents grappled with the State Government’s insistence on a boarding fee of N100,000 for the second term.

The newly enforced fee represents a staggering 185.71% increase from the N35,000 paid during the first term of the same academic year. This sharp rise has sparked widespread dissatisfaction among parents, many of whom have voiced concerns about the financial strain it imposes.

Efforts to resolve the issue in November during a meeting between the State Government, led by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Tayo Ayinde, and the State Chairman of the Parents’ Forum, Mr. Dapo Dawodu, ended in a stalemate. While the government proposed N70,000 as the new fee, the parents’ forum advocated for a reduction to between N45,000 and N50,000 per term.

However, the situation took a surprising turn when parents attempting to pay via the government-endorsed Remita platform discovered that the only available payment option was for N100,000. This unexpected increase has left many parents frustrated and outraged.

A visit to some model colleges by Independent, including Igbokuta and Agbowa in Ikorodu,showed that less than 5% of students had resumed. The situation was reportedly similar in other model colleges across the state.

Dr. Taofeek Ayinde, a concerned parent at Igbokuta Model College, called on the Lagos State Government to reconsider its decision. He criticized the lack of empathy for parents struggling amid economic challenges.

“The government needs to understand the financial burden this places on parents, especially those with multiple children in these schools. Expecting parents to pay N400,000 per term for four children is unrealistic. The fee should be capped at N50,000 to ensure affordability,” he said.

Dr. Ayinde urged the government to prioritize the welfare of its citizens and prevent a situation where children are forced to drop out of school due to financial constraints.

As the standoff continues, parents and stakeholders await further dialogue or intervention to address the contentious fee hike.

READ ALSO: Parents Lament Over Hike in Private School Fees, Contemplate Withdrawing Their Kids

SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, INDEPENDENT