Parents of students in Lagos State model colleges are gearing up for a massive protest against the government’s decision to increase boarding fees from ₦35,000 to ₦100,000 per term. The fee hike, representing a staggering 185.71% increase, has been a contentious issue since its announcement in November 2024.
Despite numerous appeals to the Lagos State Government to reconsider the increment, parents say their efforts have been ignored. “It feels like the government is living in another world,” one parent remarked, expressing frustration over the lack of response.
As of now, reports indicate that about 65% of students in the affected schools have not resumed for the new term, which began nearly two weeks ago.
Mr. Victor Agbabiaka, the State Secretary of the Parents Forum (PF), shared an update on a parents’ platform, confirming that a “mega protest march” is imminent. According to him:
“Events of the past 36 hours have been so fast-paced and mind-boggling, such that getting across to you in order to give updates has been near impossible. However, while the leadership of our forum had been engaged in a series of consultations and meetings, I have the instruction of the Chairman, Surv. Dapo Dawodu, to notify all parents to be on standby for a mega protest march before the end of this week.
“And in this wise, we wish to inform you all to start making preparations for mobilisation for this mammoth street protest, from each of our various schools! We shall give you further instructions in respect of this action.”
There are 16 model colleges in Lagos State, including notable ones such as Lagos State Model Junior College Meiran, Oriwu Model College Ikorodu, and Lagos State Junior Model College Badore.
Parents argue that the fee hike places an undue financial burden on families, especially in challenging economic times. They hope the planned protest will compel the government to reconsider its stance and reduce the fees to a more affordable level.
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