The Lagos State Government has increased the boarding fees for its model colleges, citing the need to ensure better welfare for students.
The new fee is N100,000, effective from the 2024/2025 session starting September 15, 2024. This decision was made due to the unrealistic nature of the previous N35,000 fee, which had been in place since 2021.
According to Ganiu Lawal, Deputy Director of Public Affairs at the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, the increased fee will cover essential costs such as feeding, janitorial services, and energy expenses.
Lawal emphasized that the government prioritizes student welfare and provides various privileges, including free education infrastructure, tuition, technology support, and security.
To put this into perspective, Lagos State offers free education in 1,021 primary schools, 369 junior secondary schools, and 329 senior secondary schools, including 32 model colleges.
The government urges parents to understand the necessity of this increase; ensuring students receive adequate care and nutrition for physical and mental growth.