Lagos State Government Triples Boarding Fees from N35,000 to N100,000, Sparking Public Outcry Amid Economic Struggles
September 14, 2024
By Okafor Joseph
In a controversial move, the Lagos State government has announced a significant increase in boarding fees for all public secondary schools in the state, raising the fee from N35,000 to N100,000 per term. The new fee structure will take effect from the 2024/2025 academic session, according to a letter issued by the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.
The letter, signed by Olufemi Asaolu, the Director of Basic Education Services, was addressed to all boarding school principals in the state. It stated that the decision was made to standardize the fee structure across public boarding schools. The letter also emphasized that no additional fees should be imposed on students beyond the newly approved amount.
The document, titled “Review of Boarding Fees in All Public Secondary Schools in Lagos State for 2024/2025 Session,” confirmed that the resumption date for public boarding schools remains September 15, 2024. The letter further directed that schools should not collect any other fees outside of the revised boarding fee.
“I am further directed to inform you that no additional fee of any form should be collected by the schools,” the letter clarified, ensuring that the boarding fee increase would be the only adjustment for the upcoming academic session.
While the government’s decision may bring uniformity to school fee policies, the substantial increase has raised concerns among parents and guardians, especially given the current economic hardship many families are facing. The new fee structure nearly triples the cost for boarding students, placing additional financial strain on households already struggling with rising inflation and economic difficulties.
The state government has not yet provided an official explanation for the fee hike or offered any information on potential financial assistance for families who may struggle to afford the new rate. The announcement has sparked discussions about the potential impact on access to education for students from low-income families. As the new academic year approaches, many will be watching to see if the government responds to the concerns being raised by the public.
