The start of the new school year in Enugu State has been overshadowed by widespread anger as parents confront steep tuition fee hikes in private and faith-based institutions.
Findings from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) revealed that many schools have raised tuition by between 20 and 50 percent compared to last academic session. This has forced families to reconsider educational options amid already harsh economic conditions.
Parents share their struggles
Mr. John Ude, whose daughter attends a private junior secondary school, expressed shock:
“The school fees of my daughter in junior secondary 2 is now N150,000 as against N100,000 we paid last year. I tried to ask what the reason for the increment was and the principal said that it was the directive from the proprietor and that he does not have much explanation on the matter.”
Housewife Mrs. Ngozi told reporters that her children’s faith-based school in Amechi raised tuition drastically:
“Last term, we paid N85,000 per child for my three children, but this new session the school said that the fees is now N120,000 per child. Government should intervene and regulate these charges.”
Civil servant Mrs. Juliet Ugwu said she could no longer cope with the fees and withdrew her children.
School proprietors defend policy
In response, school owners insist they have no choice. According to Mr. Emeka Mbah:
“We cannot deliver quality education if we do not have competent teaching staff members and the right instructional materials.”
Mr. Chris Agbo added that private schools are filling gaps left by underfunded public schools without any government support.
Broader economic picture
The tuition hikes reflect Nigeria’s inflationary crisis, with rising costs of fuel, food, and utilities. Parents want state regulation, but proprietors warn that stricter oversight could cripple schools already battling high operating costs.