Lagos justifies boarding fee hike for student welfare

The Lagos State Government claims that an increase in boarding fees at its model colleges is unavoidable in order to improve student welfare.

The state’s Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education issued a statement on Monday, signed by the Ministry’s Deputy Director, Public Affairs, Mr Ganiu Lawal.

Lawal stated that kids at boarding schools constituted more than one percent of the total basic and secondary school student population in the state’s public institutions.

According to Lawal, the N35,000 boarding fee being paid since 2021 is unrealistic in 2024.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Lagos State Government approved the upward review of boarding fees payable in all public boarding schools in Lagos State.

The review of boarding fees in all public secondary schools in Lagos State is with effect from the 2024/2025 session.

The newly approved fee is N100,000 only and starts from the session resuming on Sept. 15, 2024.

“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 cost related to keeping them in the hostels per term,” Lawal said.

Lawal explained that the schools took care of energy cost 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 a vis provision of education infrastructure, free tuition, 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 noted that nutritious food was not just for physical growth but also for mental alertness, adding that the Ministry would not want any boarding student to look gaunt or lack the skill of critical thinking.

He stressed that the government took responsibility for the health and well-being of the students while in school, but added that the government would require full cooperation of all stakeholders to do this.

The ministry official, therefore, enjoined parents to see reasons with the state government and show understanding for the sake of the children.

Recall that the LASG provides free education in 1,021 primary schools, 369 junior secondary and 329 senior secondary schools, which include 32 model colleges across the State.

All the model colleges are boarding schools, except for Vetland Junior and Senior Secondary Schools, which operate day.

It was reported on Sunday protests by parents who rejected the increase in the boarding fee, describing it as ‘outrageous’ given recent conditions in the country.

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