The Lagos State Government has defended the increase in boarding fees for its model colleges, citing the need to ensure better student welfare.
The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education stated that the current N35,000 fee, unchanged since 2021, is no longer realistic in 2024.
It was gathered that starting September 15, 2024, the new boarding fee will be N100,000 per term. This affects only about 1% of public school students in Lagos who attend boarding schools.
According to a statement by the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education signed by the Deputy Director, Public Affairs of the Ministry, Mr Ganiu Lawal, the Ministry urged understanding, stating that the decision prioritised students’ health and well-being.
The statement partly reads; “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.
