Parents of boarding students at Eva Adelaja Girls Grammar School in Bariga, Lagos, took to the streets on Sunday to protest the Lagos State government’s increase in boarding fees from N35,000 to N100,000.
The parents, who gathered in large numbers, chanted slogans and demanded an immediate reversal of the fee hike. They insisted that the school would not resume until their demands were met.
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.”
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 increase. The letter, dated Friday, stated: “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, titled ‘Review of Boarding Fees in All Public Secondary Schools in Lagos State for the 2024/2025 Session,’ also noted that no additional fees should be collected by the schools. It indicated that the resumption date was now set for Sunday, September 15, 2024.
Segun Bashorun, a parent and the Public Relations Officer for the Parents’ Forum at the Senior School, expressed frustration over the sudden increase. In an interview with our correspondent, Bashorun said, “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 parent was captured 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!”