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The Lagos State Government has defended the recent increase of boarding fee in all public schools in the state to N100,000 per term.
The new fee is an upward review from the previous N35,000 payable in all public boarding schools in the state.
Since the announcement, there have been a series of peaceful protests by parents demanding reversal of the new boarding fee, which is almost a 200 percent raise.
But in a statement on Monday, the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education said the previously paid N35,000 is no longer realistic in 2024.
The ministry explained that enrolment of a child into a boarding school is an individual choice of every parent, and as such, they are expected to pay boarding fee at the beginning of every school term.
According to the ministry, the boarding fee is used for feeding, janitorial and other cost-related miscellaneous to keep the students in the hostels per term, adding that schools from this fee, also take care of energy costs of fuel and cooking gas.
It stated, “the concern of ensuring better welfare for our model college students, who are about one per cent of the entire basic and secondary school student population in public schools in the State, necessitated the increase in boarding fees.
“The model college students enjoy all other privileges of free education vis a vis provision of education infrastructure, free tuition, technology support (free devices) provision of adequate security in schools and payment of terminal examination fees (LASG pays WAEC fees for all public school students).
“The N35,000 boarding fees being paid since 2021 are not realistic in 2024. Ideally, none of our parents will testify to the reasonability of feeding a child of 12 to 18 years with 35,000 for three months. Noting that a comparative analysis of Federal and State public schools with boarding facilities across the country shows that the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education is still very considerate of the reviewed rate despite the incomparable cost of food and other expenses.
“Nutritious food is not just for physical growth but also mental alertness. The Ministry certainly don’t want our students in boarding schools to look gaunt and lack the skill of critical thinking.
“The government takes responsibility for the health and well-being of the students while in school. To do this will require the full cooperation of all stakeholders. Our parents should show understanding for the sake of the children.”
The upward review of the boarding fee comes amid rising inflation, as Nigerians struggle to cope with economic downturn
