Beyond tuition, extra school charges deepen financial strain on Nigerian parents

By Qosim Suleiman, Aisha Yusufu, Ogalah Dunamis, Emmanuel Agbo, Manasseh Mbachii, Fortune Eromonsele, Kemi Adelagun

On the final Saturday of July, parents, academics and pupils of Megaliy International School gathered on the Apo Resettlement Town Hall in Abuja for the school’s end-of-session and commencement ceremony.

For Mrs Kuburat, a mother or father on the school, the celebration got here with a further invoice of just about N100,000. Three of her youngsters had been graduating at totally different ranges. She stated the school charged N20,000 for the kid leaving nursery school, N25,000 for the one finishing Junior Secondary School and N50,000 for the kid ending Senior Secondary School. Even in years when none of her youngsters graduated, she stated she paid N10,000 for every youngster in the direction of the school’s end-of-session ceremony.

The funds mirror a broader concern amongst parents interviewed by PREMIUM TIMES throughout a number of Nigerian states: tuition is more and more just one a part of the price of non-public schooling.

From Abuja to c and Benue, parents described extra payments for commencement ceremonies, textbooks, costumes, feeding, extra classes, pictures, events and different actions.

When the extra payments are taken collectively, and once they contain two or extra youngsters, parents stated the extra charges are placing additional strain on family budgets.

In some faculties, the funds are obligatory. In others, they’re described as elective, however youngsters whose parents don’t pay could also be excluded from ceremonies, actions or refreshments.

The complaints come as federal and state authorities more and more transfer to curb school practices they are saying impose pointless prices on households.

In January, the federal authorities restricted commencement ceremonies to pupils finishing Primary Six, JSS3 and SSS3 as a part of schooling reforms meant to cut back financial strain on parents.

Yet interviews carried out by PREMIUM TIMES counsel that extra school charges stay widespread, whereas regulation and enforcement differ significantly throughout states.

The administration of Megaliy International School didn’t reply to PREMIUM TIMES’ request for an interview. At first, a member of the school’s administration who recognized herself as Mrs Udeoka stated the principal misplaced his father and was not accessible for an interview. When contacted once more on Tuesday, she stated the school administration has determined to not grant the interview request.

However, some school directors defended the charges, saying they’re to cater for the scholars and their parents at commencement ceremonies. They added that necessary buy of textbooks in faculties was to take care of uniformity.

Graduation payments past tuition

In Lagos, Damilola Ojuolape, a caterer and mom residing in Ojo, stated her nine-year-old daughter’s major school commencement turned a significant supply of financial stress.

The school charged N45,000 for the commencement, she stated, whereas pupils had been additionally anticipated to take part in dance performances and parents had been inspired to buy commemorative class portraits.

Beyond the school’s cost, Ms Ojuolape stated she spent N154,000 making ready her daughter for the occasion, together with shopping for a inexperienced costume to match the color chosen for the event, jewelry, a handbag, sun shades and a wristwatch.

Another Lagos mother or father, Tolulope Eludini, stated her youngsters attend Fluorescent Private School, the place charges for commencement ceremonies and textbooks are included within the invoice issued to parents at first of the tutorial session.

Mrs Eludini stated graduating pupils are additionally anticipated to pay for commencement apparel, together with fits and clothes, along with contributing in the direction of the end-of-session celebration.

“I think the graduation fee is about N50,000,” she stated, noting that the quantity was separate from the price of clothes and the commencement celebration.

In Katsina, the quantities will be significantly decrease, however parents say the charges nonetheless matter when measured towards their school charges and different family bills.

Lawal Bishir stated Maryam Majiri Memorial International School charged him N3,000 for his kindergarten daughter’s speech and prize-giving day whereas he was struggling to boost her N27,000 school payment.

Pupils in graduating courses paid N5,000, he stated.

The school’s head of high quality assurance, Ugwu Chinedu, confirmed that the fee decided who obtained the school’s refreshment package deal.

However, Mr Chinedu stated the school has since stopped commencement ceremonies for nursery, major and junior secondary pupils and now limits them to SS3 college students.

Murtala Gidado, whose youngsters attend Ayaks International School, a community-run secondary school in Katsina, stated he beforehand paid N5,000 for an SS3 scholar. The quantity represented one-quarter of the kid’s N20,000 termly school payment.

But the proprietor, Abubakar Yunus, stated the school charges a flat N6,000 per pupil per time period plus N500 for examinations.

In Kaduna State, Ifeoma Habila, whose 11-year-old youngster attends Wusasa Children’s School in Zaria, stated she paid N3,500 when her son accomplished major school this yr.

“My son told me that out of the N3,500 that the school is demanding, N2,000 would be used for speech and prize, graduation gown N1,000 and N500 for group picture,” Mrs Habila stated.

Her second son, an eight-year-old Primary Four pupil at St Francis Academy in Wusasa, additionally paid N3,000 in the direction of the school’s commencement actions, she stated.

PREMIUM TIMES gathered that graduating pupils of ECWA Nursery and Primary School, Wusasa, had been required to pay N8,000, whereas Rodah Academy in Kamazo GRA charged N5,000.

When ‘optional’ doesn’t really feel elective

Some parents stated the problem isn’t merely how a lot faculties cost, however what occurs once they determine to not pay.

Mrs Eludini stated the strain at her youngsters’s Lagos school doesn’t at all times come instantly from directors.

She stated the strain generally comes from the youngsters, who don’t wish to be unnoticed of commencement actions.

“They don’t exactly tell you to come and pay,” she stated. “But the children are already excited about the graduation and the party, so they begin to pressure you because they don’t want to be left out.”

Mrs Kuburat described an analogous state of affairs in Abuja, saying youngsters whose parents didn’t make some funds may very well be excluded from refreshments and actions.

In Katsina, Mr Bishir stated non-payment of the N3,000 cost at his daughter’s school didn’t have an effect on the issuance of certificates, however the school used a headcount to find out which youngsters would obtain refreshments.

“If you pay, they will give you a refreshment package. If you don’t pay, you will not have a refreshment package,” he stated.

Mr Gidado stated the N5,000 commencement fee at his youngster’s school was described as elective, however a pupil whose parents didn’t pay couldn’t attend the programme.

For him, that leaves parents weighing the financial value towards the emotional affect on their youngsters.

“He might be affected emotionally while his contemporaries are celebrating and he is not celebrating,” he stated.

The proprietor of the school Mr Gidado’s children attended, Abubakar Yunus, stated the commencement payment was for clothes, refreshments, souvenirs, invites, venue prices and cultural actions.

He stated the school finally cancelled the ceremony when contributions proved inadequate.

Textbooks add one other layer of value

Graduation ceremonies are just one a part of the extra bills parents described. Several parents stated faculties additionally required them to purchase textbooks instantly from the school.

Lois Ugbede, an assistant editor at DUBAWA whose youngsters attend a Catholic non-public school in Abuja, stated parents are usually not allowed to purchase notebooks or textbooks elsewhere.

PREMIUM TIMES contacted the school’s principal, Afoma Chukwu, a reverend sister, a number of instances to hunt her response to parents’ claims relating to extra charges, together with alleged obligatory funds. However, the calls weren’t answered, and she or he had not responded as of the time of submitting this report.

In Lagos, Mrs Eludini stated parents at Fluorescent Private School are equally required to purchase their youngsters’s textbooks from the school.

“Yes, we are required to buy the children’s textbooks directly from the school, and they don’t give us any options,” she stated.

Although she had not in contrast the school’s costs with these charged by impartial bookstores, she questioned the standard of among the books equipped.

The two phone numbers discovered for Fluorescent Private School, Lagos couldn’t be reached for feedback, regardless of repeated makes an attempt.

Mr Bishir stated parents of kindergarten pupils at Maryam Majiri Memorial International School in Katsina even have little flexibility.

“For those in kindergarten, it is compulsory. You must buy the pack book,” he stated.

He stated the school’s clarification was that pupils wanted to make use of similar books with corresponding content material and web page numbers in order that youngsters wouldn’t fall behind throughout classes.

For pupils in larger courses, he stated, parents are inspired to buy from the school however some purchase elsewhere to save cash.

Not all of the parents interviewed reported such restrictions. Mr Gidado stated neither of the colleges he offers with compelled him to buy textbooks instantly from them.

He estimated that he spent about N30,000 on books for one in all his secondary-school youngsters, which he sourced independently despite the fact that the school inspired parents to purchase internally.

Govt strikes to cut back spending

The federal authorities has moved to cut back recurrent spending on studying supplies.

In January, the federal government introduced the adoption of reusable textbooks, saying the coverage would permit studying supplies for use throughout a number of tutorial periods and handed between siblings.

“This approach is intended to ensure that learning materials can be reused across multiple academic sessions,” the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, had stated.

Feeding, picnics and different payments

For some parents, the record extends past commencement ceremonies and books.

Emem Paul, whose youngsters attend Ride-On Excellent Ville Nursery and Primary School on Lagos Island, stated extra bills included textbooks, a N10,000 December picnic and a feeding levy. She stated pupils weren’t allowed to convey meals from dwelling.

“I had to insist that my children should be exempted from eating the school’s food or I would withdraw them from the school,” she stated.

The school finally granted her request and exempted her youngsters from the feeding association.

Messages reviewed by PREMIUM TIMES present that the school often sends parents detailed directives masking funds, pupils’ look and disciplinary necessities.

One discover instructed parents to pay school charges earlier than resumption and stated solely pupils whose parents had accomplished the required advance fee can be admitted at first of the time period. The identical discover stated participation within the school’s end-of-session celebration was obligatory for all learners.

Such bills, parents stated, could make it tough to find out the true value of personal education from tuition charges alone.

The proprietress, Latifat Ibrahim, advised PREMIUM TIMES that the school lumps up the sum for textbooks alongside the school charges.

Ms Ibrahim added that funds for meals and after-school classes are obligatory.

“If children choose to bring food to the school, they won’t eat in the class because I don’t want other children looking at them,” she stated.

But she careworn that the school’s extra-mural courses are elective. Only pupils whose parents opted for the teachings are allowed to take part.

On the December deal with, Ms Ibrahim stated parents had been requested to pay as a result of the occasion was organised for the pupils. She, nevertheless, famous that the fee was not obligatory and that solely youngsters whose parents accepted their participation had been included.

Governments transfer towards pricey commencement ceremonies

Concerns over the financial burden of school ceremonies have prompted interventions by the federal authorities and a few state governments.

In January, the federal authorities announced that commencement ceremonies must be restricted to pupils finishing Primary Six and college students finishing JSS3 and SSS3.

“Under the new guidelines, only pupils and students completing Primary 6, Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS3), and Senior Secondary School 3 (SSS3) are permitted to hold graduation ceremonies,” the federal government stated.

The measure was introduced alongside the reusable textbook coverage and different reforms the federal government stated had been meant to cut back pointless financial strain on households.

Some states have gone additional.

In Ogun State, the federal government in June prohibited commencement ceremonies for nursery, kindergarten and different non-terminal courses in private and non-private faculties.

Graduation ceremonies could also be held for Primary Six, JSS3 and SSS3 pupils, however the authorities directed that such occasions must be modest and organised at no financial value to parents or guardians.

The authorities additionally prohibited extravagant components, together with customised apparel and different social shows that would create extra bills for households.

The Anambra State Government exempted SSS3 college students from the ban on commencement ceremonies, however stated such ceremonies should stay elective and “must be conducted without any form of levy or financial demand on students and parents.”

The directive, issued on 24 July, applies to each private and non-private kindergarten, major and secondary faculties, together with ceremonies described as “passing out” or “cross over.”

The authorities warned that faculties that violate the directive may face sanctions, together with closure. It stated the measure was launched to cut back the financial burden such ceremonies place on parents.

Benue State launched related restrictions in August 2025.

The state prohibited obligatory commencement ceremonies, significantly for kindergarten, nursery and primary school pupils, and likewise moved towards customised instructional supplies that can not be transferred from one pupil to a different. The directive additionally prohibited obligatory prolonged classes after common school hours with out parental consent.

Yet PREMIUM TIMES discovered that textbook charges stay a part of the payments issued by some non-public faculties in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.

One school administrator in Benue, who didn’t wish to be named, expressed considerations concerning the affect of enforcement measures on pupils and their households, significantly the place faculties are sealed for non-compliance.

The administrator added that some faculties had been involved concerning the financial implications of the coverage, particularly the place that they had already bought textbooks for his or her pupils.

“When you seal a school, you also affect the children who are learning there. So, for us, what is the gap? Sealing a school, would there have been a better sanction for that than leaving the school sealed?” the administrator stated.

Visits to Towering Tots School, NADI Schools, Kings Quiver and Tender Feet School in Markurdi confirmed that books had been nonetheless included amongst charges offered to parents as the brand new tutorial session started. None of the colleges responded to PREMIUM TIMES’ enquiries concerning the continued inclusion of textbook charges.

Complaints, however parents reluctant to put in writing

In Katsina, a senior official of the state Ministry of Education acquainted with the regulation of non-state faculties stated participation in and contributions in the direction of commencement ceremonies should stay voluntary.

The official requested anonymity as a result of he was not authorised to talk publicly.

“You cannot force it on pupils and say everybody must contribute,” he stated.

The official stated the ministry had obtained verbal complaints from parents about commencement charges and obligatory textbook purchases.

But, in response to him, many parents who complain verbally are reluctant to place their complaints in writing as a result of they worry potential repercussions.

He stated state rules don’t authorise faculties to compel parents to buy textbooks completely from them.

The official additionally stated an inspection staff had been deployed to look at compliance amongst non-public and group faculties.

PREMIUM TIMES couldn’t independently verify the inspection train.

In Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory, officers didn’t present responses to PREMIUM TIMES’ findings.

The spokesperson for the Department of Education, Federal Capital Territory Administration, Kabir Musa, directed our reporter to the Director of Quality Assurance, Hajarat Alayande.

Mrs Alayande declined to remark, saying she wanted permission from the Education Secretary earlier than talking.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Alli-Balogun, didn’t reply to cellphone calls and messages searching for his feedback.

Private faculties defend charges

Private school directors who spoke to PREMIUM TIMES defended the extra charges, saying they cowl the price of school actions and different working bills.

The Vice-Principal, Academics, of St Martin de Porres Schools, Ozochi Anthonia, stated graduating pupils paid between N3,000 and N3,500 to cowl robes, certificates and primary refreshments.

A non-public school proprietor in Kaduna, who requested anonymity, stated faculties rely virtually completely on internally generated income.

“Some private schools operate from rented buildings and have to pay rent. They also pay government taxes which are becoming overwhelming, buy school supplies and pay staff salaries,” the proprietor stated.

“The running cost of a private school in Nigeria is very high. These schools receive no government funding; they fund themselves.”

The proprietor stated the sale of books, uniforms and writing supplies by faculties may additionally make purchases extra handy for parents.

Customised books, the proprietor argued, may assist faculties preserve requirements and defend parents from buying pirated copies.

The proprietor referred to as on governments to supply higher assist to non-public faculties, together with employees coaching and reductions in taxes and regulatory charges.

Mary Odiba, proprietress of Wusasa Children’s School in Kaduna State, stated the charges had been essential to cowl the price of organising school actions.

She stated her school charges N2,500 per youngster for commencement, speech and prize-giving actions and makes use of the cash for pupils’ welfare in the course of the occasions.

“If we want to organise a speech and prize-giving day and graduation, we have to rent chairs and canopies, provide refreshments for the children and buy prizes for outstanding pupils,” she stated.

Mrs Odiba additionally stated parents had been inspired to buy books from the school for comfort and to cut back the danger of shopping for pirated copies.

Maureen Nwaeke-Egbim, proprietress of JPEC Chimel Academy in GRA, Zaria, Kaduna State, stated commencement events at her school are initiated by pupils and parents.

She stated the school types a committee comprising academics and parents to plan such occasions.

“What the school does is to support, while the parents fund the whole thing,” she stated.

On textbooks, Mrs Nwaeke-Egbim stated books can be found on the market on the school, however parents are free to purchase elsewhere, offered they acquire the required editions.

“The aim is to avoid pirated copies and ensure pupils have the required books, so that in a class of 30 students, at least 20 to 25 have the right textbooks,” she stated.

Private faculties affiliation responds

The Katsina State chairperson of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Mansir Sani, stated obligatory commencement charges are usually not customary follow amongst most member faculties.

“I won’t tell you it is 100 per cent, but the majority of our schools do not charge anything called a graduation fee,” he stated.

Mr Sani stated most faculties cost customary examination charges somewhat than separate and extreme commencement charges.

“There is no compulsion in making students buy textbooks,” he stated, explaining what he described because the affiliation’s official place.

He additionally argued that personal faculties have tried to keep away from rising school charges on the identical tempo as taxes, regulatory charges and different working prices.

Kano tightens regulation of personal school charges

Beyond commencement and textbook charges, some states are additionally tightening oversight of personal school charges typically.

The Kano State House of Assembly in August handed the Kano State Private and Voluntary Institutions Board (Amendment) Bill, 2026, introducing extra necessities governing school payment will increase.

Among different provisions, the laws requires session with parents by way of Parent-Teacher Associations earlier than non-public faculties enhance their charges.

Mustapha Yahaya, director of Special Duties on the Kano State Private and Voluntary Institutions Board, advised PREMIUM TIMES that the brand new provisions had been meant to forestall faculties from rising charges with out discover and session.

“The work of this board is to regulate private and voluntary institutions,” he stated.

PREMIUM TIMES couldn’t independently confirm earlier than publication the official’s declare that the governor had assented to the modification on 4 August.

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Parents really feel the strain

For most of the parents interviewed for this report, the controversy over what faculties must function in the end meets a less complicated actuality: there may be solely a lot cash accessible to pay the payments.

Ms Ugbede stated she had by no means defaulted on her youngsters’s school funds, however for the primary time this yr, financial constraints pressured her to pay their charges later than she usually would.

Mrs Eludini stated her household has additionally needed to postpone some funds.

“We’ve had to delay payment. Sometimes that’s the only option,” she stated.

She recalled an event when parents at her youngsters’s school collectively challenged an tried enhance in tuition.

“The parents came together and challenged it,” she stated. “I think they even petitioned the Lagos State Government, and eventually the school brought the fees back down.”

But commencement charges, textbooks, feeding, clothes, events and different charges are extra fragmented and will be tougher for parents to problem collectively.

For households with a couple of youngster, the prices accumulate rapidly.

And whereas school house owners argue that most of the charges pay for professional companies and rising working bills, the experiences of parents interviewed by PREMIUM TIMES present that the financial burden of personal schooling more and more extends past the determine written beside “school fees” on a baby’s invoice.