Nigerian households are facing severe financial strain ahead of the September school resumption, as school operators pass rising operational costs from surging diesel prices and rent to teacher retention, onto parents through astronomical fee hikes.
A recent BusinessDay survey of 140 parents across the country reveals that 85.7 percent (120 respondents) reported tuition increases for the upcoming academic term. While 57.1 percent of affected parents noted that management offered staggered payment plans, many schools are enforcing rigid “no payment, no entry” policies.
Parents who spoke with BusinessDay said some schools increased their fees by more than 40 percent, not considering the harsh economic crunch and the challenges of living in Nigeria.
A parent whose child is in Honeyland School said the fees have been increased from N350,000 to N500,00 (43 percent) for primary, and N550,000 to N720, 000 (31 percent) for secondary school cadre.
In Kembos Schools, the fees rose from N340,000 to N500,000 (47 percent), while Yems Montessori School increased its fees from N100,000 to N120,000 (20 percent) for the nursery level. Another school also increased its fees from N210,000 to N325,000 (55 percent), and parents are expected to pay before September resumption.
