Proprietors defend 30% fee hike as schools resume Monday

Private primary and secondary schools in Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo states have defended fee increases of up to 30%, as schools resume for the 2026/2027 academic session. The proprietors of these institutions attributed the fee hikes to rising operational costs, such as fuel, transportation, rent, infrastructure, textbooks, and teachers' salaries.

Many schools have increased tuition by between 10% and 30%, while some have raised ancillary charges for textbooks, uniforms, and transportation. Proprietors insist that the fee increases are necessary to maintain school operations and retain qualified teachers. Some proprietors, like Bola from Magboro, Ogun State, explained that they raised fees by about 20% due to increased transportation costs and fuel price fluctuations.

They also face pressure to retain teachers who demand higher salaries, while others, like Isiaka from Ogun State, noted that the cost of retaining qualified personnel has become a major concern. In Lagos, Aliyu, a school owner, increased tuition by between 20 and 30% due to higher fuel and transportation expenses, as well as rent increases.

Some proprietors have adjusted ancillary charges to balance the increased costs, while others, like Ikenna from Surulere, Lagos, raised fees by about 20% to cover facility and service costs. Lateef, a proprietor in Ebutte-Metta, Lagos, increased fees by 30% due to a significant rise in rent, from N3m to N5m, and is considering discontinuing bus services due to fuel price uncertainty.

Morayo from Ibadan, Oyo State, increased her school's fees by about 10%, citing a moderate adjustment due to only a two% rise in textbook prices. The fee increases come as parents prepare for the new academic session, with some moving their children to private schools despite the higher costs.