The demonstrators, who assembled in large numbers, chanted slogans and called for an immediate reversal of the fee hike. They made it clear that the school would not reopen until their demands were addressed.
Protesters carried banners and placards with messages such as “No Reversal, No Resumption!” “Free Education is Our Right,” and “We Say No to This Fee Increase.”
The fee increase was announced in a letter to all boarding school principals from Olufemi Asaolu, Director of Basic Education Services at the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.
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The letter, dated Friday, stated, “The state government has approved the review of the boarding fee payable in all public boarding house schools in Lagos State. The newly approved fee is N100,000 only.”
The letter, titled ‘Review of Boarding Fees in All Public Secondary Schools in Lagos State for the 2024/2025 Session,’ also specified that no additional fees should be collected by the schools. It set the resumption date for Sunday, September 15, 2024.
Lagos Parents Protest
Segun Bashorun, a parent and the Public Relations Officer for the Parents’ Forum at the Senior School, expressed frustration over the sudden fee increase. “We should have been consulted before such decisions were made. The fee was increased just two days before resumption, leaving us with little time to adjust,” Bashorun told our correspondent.
“The economic situation is tough, and the additional transportation costs are a burden. Many parents are struggling, and some are even in tears. We urge the government to involve us in such decisions, as we are the ones bearing the cost,” he added.
Another parent, captured on video, said, “Our children aspire to become presidents and governors in the future. How can we keep them at home because we can’t afford the new fees? The cost is too high, and we are pleading for help. Governor, please assist us!”
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