Why Lagos increases fees for Model Colleges to N100,000

The Lagos State Government (LASG) has announced an increase in boarding fees for its model colleges, citing the need to ensure the welfare of students.

The Deputy Director of Public Affairs for the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Ganiu Lawal, made this known in a statement on Monday.

Lawal explained that the current N35,000 boarding fee, which has been in place since 2021, is no longer sustainable given the rising costs in 2024. As a result, the state government has approved an upward review of the boarding fees to N100,000, effective from the 2024/2025 academic session, starting on September 15, 2024.

“The Ministry is aware of concerns raised by some parents regarding the fee increase,” Lawal said. “However, this decision was made with the students’ welfare in mind, as maintaining their well-being remains a priority for the state government.”

He added that the boarding fees cover essential services such as feeding, janitorial, and other miscellaneous expenses. The ministry also manages energy costs for cooking and other school operations.

Lawal noted that the model college students benefit from free education infrastructure, tuition, technology support, and security, in addition to the payment of WAEC fees by the government for all public school students.

“We cannot reasonably feed a child aged 12 to 18 for three months on N35,000,” he said, highlighting the rising costs of food and other necessities. A comparison with other federal and state schools with boarding facilities shows that Lagos remains considerate in its fee review despite the higher costs.

He urged parents to understand the need for the increase, emphasizing that the government remains committed to the health and well-being of the students while requiring cooperation from all stakeholders.

The Lagos State Government provides free education in 1,021 primary schools, 369 junior secondary schools, and 329 senior secondary schools, including 32 model colleges, all of which are boarding institutions except Vetland Junior and Senior Secondary Schools.