High operating costs fuel tuition hikes, says school founder

Dr Ibrahim Bello, the Founder and Chairman of De Dynamic Private Schools, has revealed that the escalation in tuition fees in private schools is primarily due to the surge in operational costs. This revelation came during the celebration of the school's 20th anniversary in Ota, Ogun State, as multiple private primary and secondary institutions hiked their fees ahead of the 2026/2027 academic year commencing.

According to a recent PUNCH report, proprietors raised their school fees by between 10 and 30 percent, citing escalating expenses related to fuel, transportation, rent, infrastructure, textbooks, and teachers' salaries. Bello emphasized the importance of an enabling environment for school businesses to flourish and urged the government to reduce excessive taxes on these enterprises.

He noted, "Operational cost is the topmost challenge the business of running a school faces. Those complaining about high tuition fees should understand what school owners also go through." Despite the challenging economic climate, Bello cautioned parents against being discouraged by the current situation and encouraged them to prioritize their children's education.

He urged them to view their children's education as an investment that would yield significant returns in the future. The school's Proprietress, Aramide Bello, advised potential school owners not to rush to recoup their investments, emphasizing the need for sufficient funds to sustain the institution before it becomes profitable.

She expressed the school's commitment to fostering quality education, instilling good character, and nurturing responsible, successful individuals who would contribute positively to society. UNESCO reports indicate that approximately 40 percent of students attend private schools, underscoring the role of such institutions in the education sector.