The start of the second term in Lagos State’s model colleges on Sunday saw a significant drop in student attendance, as many parents balked at the Lagos State Government’s decision to maintain a N100,000 boarding fee. This fee represents a staggering 185.71 percent increase compared to the N35,000 that was charged during the first term of the academic year.
The disagreement over the fee structure reached a standstill in November when the Lagos State Government, represented by Tayo Ayinde, Chief of Staff to the Governor, and Mr. Dapo Dawodu, the State Chairman of the Parents Forum of Model Colleges, could not reach an agreement. The government had proposed a N70,000 boarding fee per term, while the parents requested a more affordable range of N45,000 to N50,000 per term.
However, when some parents attempted to make payments via the Remita platform on Monday, they were shocked to find that the only option available was the N100,000 fee, which caused frustration among many. Investigations revealed that less than 5 percent of students returned to Igbokuta and Agbowa Model Colleges in Ikorodu, with similar low attendance reported at other model colleges across the state.
One concerned parent, Dr. Taofeek Ayinde, who spoke to our correspondent from Igbokuta Model College, called on the state government to reconsider the increase. He argued that the government needed to show more empathy toward parents, especially during these tough economic times. Dr. Ayinde highlighted that many parents, some with multiple children enrolled in the colleges, were struggling to afford the new fees.
He said, “Considering the current economic situation, the government must listen to the concerns of the people. We cannot expect parents, especially those with several children in these schools, to come up with N400,000 every term. The government should reduce the fee. If nothing else can be done, it should not exceed N50,000 per term. This sudden increase is too much for parents to bear.”
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