Parents Demand Fee Reversal
Parents of students at Lagos Model Colleges are protesting a 200% increase in boarding fees, accusing the Lagos State Ministry of Education of corruption and insensitivity. Surv. Dapo Dawodu, Chairman of the Parents’ Forum, raised the alarm during a recent meeting, stating that the fee hike from N35,000 to N100,000 per term was unjust and burdensome.
Threat to Keep Children Home
In a letter dated September 14th, the forum warned that they would keep their children at home until the fee increase is reversed. The letter condemned the “mindless and provocative” decision, criticizing the ministry for what they termed “unbridled greed” and poor management of educational funds.
Financial Strain and Corruption Allegations
The parents’ forum highlighted the financial strain on families, noting that the increase would result in a substantial budget shortfall for school principals, which they believe indicates corruption. They claimed that previous expenditures for school feeding were significantly lower, and the new fees are excessive for the services provided.
Call for Review of School Initiatives
The forum urged the Lagos Ministry of Education to revisit their proposed school feeding and welfare initiatives. They emphasized that Lagos State’s commitment to free education should include boarding programs and criticized the government’s failure to address their earlier proposals for improved welfare schemes.
Impact on Families and Future Actions
With the current administration receiving significantly more funding, the forum finds the fee increase particularly unacceptable. They accuse the government of failing to consider the increased financial burden on parents, who are already struggling due to rising costs of living.
Government’s Response
On September 13th, the Lagos State Government officially announced the fee hike through a directive signed by Olufemi Asaolu, Director of Basic Education Services. The announcement has prompted widespread dissatisfaction among parents, who are now mobilizing to ensure the reversal of the fee increase.
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