Lagos State Government Justifies Boarding Fee Increase, Says N100,000 is Inevitable
The Lagos State Government has defended its decision to increase boarding fees in its model colleges, citing the need to ensure better welfare for students. According to a statement released by the state’s Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, the newly approved fee of N100,000 per term is a necessary step towards providing nutritious food and optimal learning conditions for students.
The decision was announced earlier this month, with the fee set to take effect from the 2024/2025 academic session. However, the increase has sparked protests from parents, who have described it as “outrageous” given the current economic conditions in the country.
But in a statement, Deputy Director of the Ministry’s Public Affairs department, Mr. Ganiu Lawal, emphasized that the increase was not taken lightly and was necessary to ensure the well-being of students. “The welfare of the children is a priority for the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education and the Lagos State Government,” he said. “Enrolment of a child into a boarding school is an individual choice for every parent, and they are expected to pay boarding fees.”
Lawal explained that the fee would be used to cover the cost of food, janitorial services, and other miscellaneous expenses related to keeping students in the hostels per term. He also emphasized that the schools took care of energy costs on fuel and cooking gas, which were essential for preparing meals.
Despite the protests from parents, Lawal assured that the state government remained committed to providing free education in public schools. In fact, the government has made significant investments in the education sector, including providing free tuition, technology support, and terminal examination fees for all public school students.
In addition, Lawal highlighted the benefits of nutritious food for students’ physical and mental growth. “Nutritious food is not just for physical growth but also for mental alertness,” he said. “We would not want any boarding student to look gaunt or lack the skill of critical thinking.”
The Lagos State Government’s decision to increase boarding fees is a necessary step towards providing optimal learning conditions for students. While some parents may find the fee challenging, the government’s commitment to providing free education and ensuring the well-being of students is commendable. As the academic year resumes, parents and students can expect to see positive changes in the way students are supported and cared for in the state’s boarding schools.
