Ekohotblog reports that Dapo Dawodu, Chairman of the Parents’ Forum of Lagos Model Colleges, has expressed concerns over the Lagos State government’s recent hike in boarding fees, describing the N100,000 per term charge as exorbitant.
He highlighted the financial strain the increase places on parents, and questioned the transparency in managing the funds, alleging that the boarding system is plagued by corruption.
In a recent telephone interview with BusinessDay, Dawodu pointed out that with an average of 1,000 students in the boarding system, the total fees amount to N100 million per term.
He argued that such an amount is excessive for feeding students over a 13-week period.
“Based on my training as a chartered surveyor, I believe N35 million is more than sufficient to feed 1,000 students in 13 weeks,” Dawodu stated, explaining that schools purchase food in bulk and should not be compared to profit-driven eateries.
“Spending over N7.7 million per week on feeding is outrageous and unsustainable.”
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Dawodu also raised concerns about alleged corruption, noting that despite the substantial fees, students are often underfed and appear malnourished.
He alleged that principals managing the boarding schools fail to ensure adequate supervision and proper use of funds, leading to substandard meals for students.
The Parents’ Forum Chairman criticized the state government for ignoring a tripartite agreement reached in 2021.
Under this agreement, a fee of N35,000 was set for feeding each student, with the funds to be managed by a joint committee comprising parents and school management.
However, Dawodu lamented that this agreement has not been adhered to since it was established.
“September 14 marked exactly three years of non-compliance by the Ministry of Education with the agreement reached with the Lagos State House of Assembly,” Dawodu revealed.
He further explained that despite updating their feeding cost analysis and presenting it to the Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Ali-Balogun, in February, no follow-up meetings were held to review the parents’ concerns before the fees were increased.
Dawodu expressed disappointment with the way the fee hike was handled, noting that the letter announcing the increase was sent just days before the new term was set to begin, leaving parents little time to prepare.
He also questioned the legitimacy of the letter, as it did not appear to come directly from the governor or other top officials.
The chairman recalled that the state government had initially implemented a free education policy, which covered boarding house expenses.
However, due to financial constraints, parents were later asked to cover their children’s feeding costs in boarding schools.
While parents have shown understanding, Dawodu emphasized that the recent fee hike is unjustifiable, especially given the alleged mismanagement of funds by school principals.
He concluded by calling for better supervision of the boarding schools and greater accountability in the management of funds, suggesting that bulk purchases and proper planning could significantly reduce costs while improving the quality of food provided to students.
With parents growing increasingly concerned over the welfare of their children in boarding schools, Dawodu’s remarks have sparked a renewed call for transparency and reforms in the education sector.
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