In order to improve student welfare, the Lagos State Government (LASG) claims that an increase in boarding costs at its model colleges is unavoidable.
This was said in a statement made public on Monday by Ganiu Lawal, deputy director of public affairs for the Lagos state ministry of basic and secondary education.
Mr. Lawal pointed out that more than one percent of all basic and secondary school pupils in the state’s public schools were enrolled in boarding schools.
The N35,000 boarding fees that have been paid since 2021, in Mr. Lawal’s opinion, are not feasible in 2024.
The government of Lagos State authorized an increase in the boarding fees that are required at all public boarding institutions in the state.
Beginning with the 2024–2025 academic year, all public secondary schools in Lagos State will evaluate their boarding prices.
The newly authorized charge, which is N100,000 only, will take effect on September 15, 2024, when classes resume.
The ministry is aware of certain parents’ opposing viewpoints regarding the inescapable rise in boarding costs at our model colleges.
“The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education and the Lagos state government prioritize the welfare of the children, thus this was not an easy decision to make.
Parents are expected to pay boarding costs because enrolling their child in a boarding school is a personal decision.
“Every term, the boarding fee is paid, and it’s primarily used for food, cleaning, and other incidentals associated with their stay in the hostels,” Mr. Lawal stated.
The ministry official explained that the schools take care of the energy costs of gasoline and cooking gas, which are important for preparing the students’ meals.
The Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education is offering free education to model college students, including infrastructure, tuition, and technology support. The state government also provides adequate security in schools and pays terminal examination fees. The ministry is considering the reviewed rate despite the high cost of food and other expenses. The Ministry emphasizes the importance of nutritious food for physical growth and mental alertness, aiming to prevent boarding students from appearing gaunt or lacking critical thinking skills. The ministry is committed to providing adequate security and payment of terminal examination fees for all public school students.
He emphasized that the government was in charge of ensuring the health and welfare of kids while they were in school, but he also said that in order to do this, the government would need the complete support of all parties involved.
For the benefit of the kids, the ministry official advised parents to cooperate with the state administration and be understanding.
Recall that 32 model colleges are located throughout the State of Lagos and that 3,69 junior secondary, 329 senior secondary, and 1,021 primary schools are all free to attend.
With the exception of Vetland Junior and Senior Secondary Schools, which are day schools, all of the model colleges are residential institutions.
