Boarding fees increased for improved students’ welfare – Lagos Govt.
The Lagos State Government says the increased boarding fees of students in public schools will benefit the learners. Ganiu Lawal, Deputy Director, Public Affairs of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, stated this, according to news agency. The government, in its statement, reacted to the complaints from parents over the hike.
He said, “…The inevitable increase in boarding fees in our model colleges was not an easy decision, but the welfare of the children is a priority.”
“Since enrolment of a child into a boarding school is an individual choice for every parent, they are expected to pay boarding fees.
“The boarding fee is paid every term and it is used basically for feeding, janitorial and other miscellaneous cost related to keeping them in the hostels per term,” Lawal explained.
He added, “The model college students enjoy all other privileges of free education vis a vis provision of education infrastructure, free tuition, technology support (free devices).
“Also provision of adequate security in schools and payment of terminal examination fees; the state government pays WAEC fees for all public school students.
“Ideally, none of our parents will testify to the reasonability of feeding a child of 12 to 18 years with N35,000 for 3 months.
“A comparative analysis of Federal and state public schools with boarding facilities across the country shows Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education is still very considerate with the reviewed rate in spite of the incomparable cost of food and other expenses,” he said.
