The Lagos State Government has explained why it had to increase boarding fees in its model colleges, stating that the hike was necessary to ensure the better welfare of students.
Deputy Director of Public Affairs at the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Ganiu Lawal, made this clear in a statement on Monday.
According to Mr. Lawal, the current fee of N35,000, which has been in place since 2021, is no longer enough to cover the costs of taking care of the students in 2024.
He noted that boarding students make up just over one per cent of the total student population in Lagos public schools. ”
The Ministry is aware of dissenting views by some parents to the inevitable increase in boarding fees in our model colleges,” Mr. Lawal said.
He added, “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.”
Starting from the 2024/2025 school session, which resumes on September 15, 2024, the boarding fees in Lagos State’s public secondary schools have been revised to N100,000 per term.
Mr. Lawal explained that the fees go toward feeding, janitorial services, and other costs related to keeping students in the hostels. “Since enrolment of a child into a boarding school is an individual choice for every parent, they are expected to pay boarding fees,” he said.
He also highlighted that the schools bear the cost of energy, including fuel and cooking gas, which are essential for preparing students’ meals.
Additionally, students in the model colleges benefit from free education services such as tuition, infrastructure, free devices, security, and terminal examination fees, with the government paying 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 three months,” Mr. Lawal said, emphasizing that the increase is necessary due to the rising costs of food and other expenses.
He stressed that good nutrition is vital not only for physical growth but also for mental alertness, and the Ministry wants to ensure that no student looks unhealthy or lacks critical thinking skills due to inadequate food.
The Lagos State Government continues to provide free education across 1,021 primary schools, 369 junior secondary, and 329 senior secondary schools, including 32 model colleges, which are boarding schools, except for Vetland Junior and Senior Secondary Schools.
Mr. Lawal concluded by urging parents to understand the government’s position for the sake of their children.
