Amid the uproar of controversy over the recent increases in boarding fees in Lagos State Model Colleges, the Speaker of the Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has listened to the concerns of parents and called for calm. The recent meeting with the protesting parents outside the Assembly demonstrated the Speaker’s resolve to resolve the conflict constructively.
The decision by the Assembly to mandate the Committee on Education to review the situation and bring together all stakeholders is a sign of commitment to peaceful resolution of the issues. The parents expressed concern over the sudden increase in boarding fees from N35,000 to N100,000 for the current session. This sparked protest demonstrations and chants at the gates of the Assembly, highlighting the importance of the issue to the community.
It is clear that the increase in fees is directly linked to the food costs of students and raises legitimate concerns about the financial burden on parents. Parents have raised concerns that students who are unable to pay the new fees are not allowed to purchase food on campus, which only makes the situation worse.
Constituency representatives including Sangodara, Adekola, Yishawu and Solomon made constructive contributions during the debates, indicating a collective awareness of the complexity of the situation. They called for a balanced approach that takes into account both the needs of students and the concerns of parents.
As the Assembly awaits the report of the Education Committee, it is imperative to seek solutions that ease the financial burden on parents without compromising the quality of education. It is essential that all parties involved work together in a spirit of collaboration to reach a mutual consensus that benefits all.
At the heart of this debate is the need to ensure equitable access to education while recognizing the financial challenges that many families face. By seeking innovative and inclusive solutions, it is possible to find common ground that preserves the interests of all stakeholders involved.
Education is a fundamental pillar for the development of a prosperous and harmonious society. By working together to overcome current challenges, we can create a better future for generations to come.