The Lagos State Government (LASG) says the increase in boarding fees in its flagship schools is inevitable to ensure better welfare of students.
Ganiu Lawal, Deputy Director of Public Affairs, Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, said this in a statement on Monday.
Mr. Lawal noted that boarding school students accounted for more than one per cent of the entire student population in basic and secondary schools in public schools in the state.
According to Mr. Lawal, the N35,000 boarding fees being paid since 2021 are not realistic in 2024.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Lagos State Government has approved the upward revision of boarding fees payable in all public boarding schools in Lagos State.
The revision of boarding fees in all public secondary schools in Lagos State will take effect from the 2024/2025 session.
The newly approved fee is only N100,000 and commences from the session that resumes on September 15, 2024.
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“The Ministry is aware of the dissenting views of some parents regarding the inevitable increase in boarding fees at our flagship schools.
“It was not an easy decision, but the welfare of children is a priority for the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education and the Lagos State Government.
“Since enrolling a child in a boarding school is an individual choice of each parent, they are expected to pay boarding fees.
“The accommodation fee is paid every semester and is basically used for food, cleaning and other miscellaneous costs related to keeping them in the hostels for the semester,” Lawal said.
The ministry official explained that schools were responsible for the energy costs of fuel and cooking gas, which are essential for preparing meals for students.
“Model university students enjoy all the other privileges of free education as it relates to the provision of educational infrastructure, free tuition and technological support (free devices).
“In addition, adequate security in schools must be ensured and fees for final examinations must be paid; the state government pays the WAEC fees for all students in public schools.
“Ideally, none of our parents should testify on the reasonableness of feeding a child between 12 and 18 years old with N35,000 for three months.
“A comparative analysis of federal and state public boarding schools across the country shows that the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education is still very considerate with the revised fee despite the unparalleled cost of food and other expenses,” he said.
Mr Lawal noted that nutritious food not only contributes to physical growth but also mental alertness, adding that the Ministry would not want any boarding student to look emaciated or lack critical thinking skills.
He stressed that the government took responsibility for the health and well-being of students while in school, but added that the government would require the full cooperation of all stakeholders to achieve this.
The ministry official therefore urged parents to seek reasons with the state government and show understanding for the sake of the children.
Recall that the Lagos State Government provides free education in 1,021 primary schools, 369 junior secondary schools and 329 senior secondary schools, which include 32 model colleges across the State.
All model schools are boarding schools, except Vetland Junior and Senior Secondary Schools, which operate during the day.
(YAYA)
