With the new academic year commencing, parents across Nigeria are confronting significant increases in school fees, with many private institutions raising their charges by 30 to 40 percent. This surge in fees comes at a time when families are already struggling with economic pressures, including rising fuel costs and inflation.

In Lagos State, public school parents are also feeling the pinch. Those without formal employment now face a hike in levies, with fees jumping from N10,100 to N20,100. Private schools are not exempt, with tuition fees soaring dramatically. For instance, a secondary school in Ipaja has increased its term fee from N86,000 to N124,000, while another in Egbeda raised its fees from N250,000 to N320,000.

The recent spike in fuel prices is exacerbating the situation, as school owners report difficulties in maintaining transportation services. Many have already issued bills for the new session, only to face the need for further adjustments due to the increased cost of fuel. Some parents are now opting for alternative transport solutions, such as hiring tricycle operators, to manage their daily school runs more economically.

John Aderiye, a concerned parent, shared his dilemma, stating, "It would not make economic sense for me to spend about N10,000 on fuel each day to take my child to school and back home. I have decided to contract a tricyclist in my neighbourhood to take my son to and from school. What I will be spending on that monthly is a fraction of what I would have spent on fuelling my car to do so."

School owners are also expressing their frustrations. Otunba Yusuf Alaka, President of the Lagos chapter of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), emphasized that the fee increases are a reflection of the rising operational costs. He noted that many school owners are struggling with unpaid bills from parents and that the increases are modest compared to the overall cost of running a school. "The increase ought to be higher if the rising cost of living and operational expenses were fully considered," he stated.

In response to the rising fees, Chief Deolu Ogunbanjo, Chairman of the National Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN), highlighted the burden on parents, many of whom are not experiencing salary increases. He urged school proprietors to consider limiting fee increases to no more than 20 percent, acknowledging the difficult economic landscape.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has encouraged parents not to withdraw their children from school despite the financial strain. Comrade Hassan Akintoye, the Lagos Council Chairman of NUT, urged families to prioritize education, stating, "Education is the best legacy we can give them."

As schools resume, there is also uncertainty surrounding Federal Unity Colleges, with recent controversies affecting their operations. The Federal Ministry of Education has confirmed that there will be no postponement of the resumption date, despite rumors circulating on social media.

In preparation for the new academic year, security measures are being heightened in schools across Ondo State. The police and local security outfits have assured parents and school administrators of enhanced safety protocols to ensure a secure learning environment.

As the academic year kicks off, the combination of rising fees and economic challenges presents a significant hurdle for many families, prompting a call for greater understanding and flexibility from school proprietors.