Model colleges across Lagos State experienced a low turnout of students on Sunday as the government maintained its decision to implement a new boarding fee of ₦100,000 for the second term of the academic year.
The new fee marks a significant 185.71% increase from the ₦35,000 previously charged during the first term, leaving many parents frustrated.
Discussions held in November between the Lagos State Government, led by Tayo Ayinde, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, and Mr. Dapo Dawodu, Chairman of the Parents Forum for Model Colleges, ended without an agreement. While the government proposed ₦70,000 per term, parents advocated for a more manageable range of ₦45,000 to ₦50,000.
Unexpectedly, when parents attempted to make payments via the Remita platform on Monday, the only available option was ₦100,000, causing widespread discontent.
A survey conducted revealed that less than 5% of students resumed at Igbokuta and Agbowa Model Colleges in Ikorodu. Reports from other model colleges across the state indicated similar trends.
Dr. Taofeek Ayinde, a concerned parent from Igbokuta Model College, called on the government to reconsider the fee hike, emphasizing the economic challenges faced by families.
He said: “Looking at the state of the economy, the government must listen to the yearning of the people in order not to send our children and wards out of school.
“We have some parents with three or four children in the colleges at this moment. Where do you expect such parents to get ₦400,000 every term from? The government should revert this bogus fee.
“If at all, nothing can be done, the boarding fee should not be more than ₦50,000 per term, not this about 200 per cent increment by the government. This is a bitter pill for parents to swallow.”
The parents continue to appeal for a reduction, urging the government to show empathy during these tough economic times.
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