High operating costs fuel tuition hikes, says school founder

Dr Ibrahim Bello, the founder and chairman of De Dynamic Private Schools, has stated that the high tuition fees in private schools are primarily due to increasing operational costs. This observation was made during the school's 20th anniversary celebration in Ota, Ogun State, as several private primary and secondary schools raised their fees by 10 to 30 percent ahead of the 2026/2027 academic year.

These fee hikes were attributed to the rising costs of fuel, transportation, rent, infrastructure, textbooks, and teachers' salaries. Bello urged the government to create a conducive environment for school businesses to flourish and reduce multiple taxes. He emphasized that parents should prioritize their children's education, seeing it as an investment for the future.

The school's proprietress, Aramide Bello, advised potential school owners to ensure they have sufficient funds to operate the school before it becomes profitable. Dr Eddy Ademosu, the guest speaker, highlighted the crucial role private schools play in the education sector, citing a UNESCO study that revealed that a significant portion of students attend private institutions.