The recent protests over the increase in boarding fees in Lagos Model Schools, Nigeria, have sent shockwaves through parents and the education community. The announcement of the hike from N35,000 to N100,000 was immediately met with strong opposition, with families describing the new fee as prohibitive and unaffordable.
In response to this legitimate protest, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr Obasa, took steps to defuse tensions by engaging the protesters in dialogue within the House of Assembly. He also tasked the Chairperson of the Committee on Education, Mrs Mosunmola Shogodara, to invite all stakeholders to discuss this critical issue and report back within a week.
This swift and proactive response demonstrates the importance the local authorities attach to the voice of the people and the need for constructive debate to find balanced solutions. It is crucial to maintain a climate of serenity and trust between parents and educational authorities in order to guarantee the well-being of students and the smooth running of schools.
During discussions with the Ministry of Education and other stakeholders, it was agreed that the fee increase would only be applied from the second term, giving parents time to organise themselves. This decision demonstrates a desire to take into account the concerns of families and an inclusive approach to finding solutions that are suitable for all.
By emphasising that the increase in fees is mainly linked to the cost of catering for students, it is essential that the government explores ways to ease the financial burden on parents and provide them with adequate support. The concerns expressed by parents regarding students’ access to the canteen in the event of non-payment of the new fees must be taken into consideration to avoid any form of stigmatisation or exclusion.
In a context where access to quality education must be guaranteed to all, it is imperative to find a fair balance between school funding and the ability of families to meet these expenses. Education is an essential pillar of societal development and must be accessible to all, without discrimination or insurmountable financial obstacles.
By promoting dialogue, consultation and transparency, the Lagos authorities will be able to overcome this crisis and strengthen citizens’ trust in the education system. It is more necessary than ever to place the interest of students at the heart of decisions and to ensure that every child can benefit from a quality, equitable and inclusive education.