Lagos Govt Defends Hike Of Model Schools’ Boarding Fees

The Lagos State Government has risen in defence of its hike of model schools’ boarding fees.

The government of Babajide Sanwo-olu rose in defence of the policy in a statement by the state’s Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education signed by the Deputy Director, Public Affairs of the Ministry, Mr Ganiu Lawal.

It says the increase in boarding fees in its model colleges had become inevitable, to ensure better welfare of the students.

Lawal noted that students in the boarding schools were over one per cent of the entire basic and secondary school student population in public schools in the state.

According to Lawal, the N35,000 boarding fee being paid since 2021 is unrealistic in 2024.

The Lagos State Government had approved the upward review of model schools’ boarding fees to  N100,000 with effect from the 2024/2025 session.

“The Ministry is aware of dissenting views by some parents to the inevitable increase in boarding fees in our model colleges.

“This was not an easy decision, but the welfare of the children is a priority for the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education and the Lagos State Government.

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“Since enrolment of a child into a boarding school is an individual choice for every parent, they are expected to pay boarding fees.

“The boarding fee is paid every term and it is used basically for feeding, janitorial and other miscellaneous cost related to keeping them in the hostels per term,” Lawal said.

Lawal explained that the schools took care of energy cost on fuel and cooking gas, which are essential for preparing the students’ meals, a NAN report said.