The Lagos State Government has announced an increase in boarding fees for all public secondary schools, raising the amount from N35,000 to N100,000 per term.
This decision was communicated in a letter to boarding school principals, signed by the Director of Basic Education Services, Olufemi Asaolu.
The new fee structure applies to the 2024/2025 academic session.
The government said that no extra charges should be imposed on students apart from the newly approved amount.
A letter addressed to all boarding school principals, signed by Olufemi Asaolu, Director of Basic Education Services at the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, read:
“I have the directive of the Honourable Commissioner to inform all Public Boarding House schools in Lagos State that 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 increment has sparked outrage, with many criticizing the government for failing to consider the current economic hardship affecting residents.
FellaofLagos tweeted: “Can 35k feed a student for 3 months in the boarding school.The surge in the price of food commodities makes it impossible. This is the reality we found ourselves. Things are really tough for most parents.”
Oluwateezy commented: “This is what you get from an unsympathetic government. Over 100percent increase despite the current hardship parents are facing.”
Equality Paul said: “Una for that Lagos dey try. Now this move makes the new minimum wage useless for parents who have children in boarding schools.”
Khaycee posted: “The plan is to peg it at 50k so it’s going well. After 1 or 2 cho cho cho, he’ll reverse it, they’ll praise him with “people’s governor”, “a governor that listens to the people”, then he slowly raises it to 50k and everyone’s happy.”
Winston Adaete tweeted: “Just to be clear. This government is very understanding. They could have increased it to 500k per term. But they left it at a miserly 100k. They are very considerate and I salute their leadership. No state can function without eyeGeeAru! Therefore, we must join hands and support this government by paying these cheap levies! May Nigeria Succeed. Alooota!”
