Folks of boarding scholars at Eva Adelaja Ladies Grammar Faculty in Bariga, Lagos, took to the streets on Sunday to protest the Lagos Surrounding govt’s building up in boarding charges from N35,000 to N100,000.
The fogeys, who accrued in massive numbers, chanted slogans and demanded a right away reversal of the cost hike. They insisted that the varsity would now not resume till their calls for had been met.
Protesters held banners and placards with messages reminiscent of “No reversal, No resumption!” “Free education is our right,” and “We say no to this fee increment.”
A letter addressed to all boarding faculty principals and signed through Olufemi Asaolu, Director of Ordinary Schooling Products and services on the Lagos Surrounding Ministry of Ordinary and Secondary Schooling, introduced the cost building up. The letter, dated Friday, said: “The state government has approved the review of the boarding fee payable in all public boarding house schools in Lagos State. The newly approved fee is N100,000 only.”
The letter, titled ‘Review of Boarding Fees in All Public Secondary Schools in Lagos State for the 2024/2025 Session,’ additionally famous that refuse supplementary charges will have to be accumulated through the universities. It indicated that the resumption hour used to be now poised for Sunday, September 15, 2024.
Segun Bashorun, a dad or mum and the Population Family members Officer for the Folks’ Discussion board on the Senior Faculty, expressed frustration over the unexpected building up. In an interview with our correspondent, Bashorun mentioned, “We should have been consulted before such decisions were made. The fee was increased just two days before resumption. There was hardly any time for parents to adjust.”
He persisted, “The economic situation is tough, and the increased transportation costs are also a burden. Many parents are struggling, and some are even in tears. We appeal to the government to involve us in such decisions. We need to be part of the conversation since we are the ones paying these fees.”
Any other dad or mum used to be captured on video announcing, “Our children aspire to become presidents and governors in the future. How can we keep them at home because we can’t afford the new fees? The cost is too high, and we are pleading for help. Governor, please assist us!”