Education

Parents Lament, Threaten To Withdraw Kids As Schools Hike Fees

Published

4 years ago

August 28, 2022

Education Minister Adamu Adamu

Many private primary and secondary schools across the states have increased their fees ahead of the new academic year.

However, parents whose wards attend private schools are worried, with some of them contemplating relocating them to public schools.

Many of the parents said they have been notified of increments in school fees, feeding, transportation and cost of uniforms.

While some parents said that it has become a norm for most private schools to increase fees at the beginning of every session, some schools said the increase was with the consent of stakeholders who also acknowledged the prevailing economic situation occasioned by rising inflation and deteriorating value of the naira.

Findings revealed that some schools have increased their fees by between 30 and 50 per cent.

It’s unbearable – Parents

Many parents in Abuja, Kano, Lagos, Port Harcourt, and other states lamented the increase in school fees of their children in private schools.

Some of them said if public schools were functioning well, they would have no reason to take their children to private schools.

Abdullahi Usman, whose two children attend a private primary school around Life Camp in Abuja, said, “The increment is appalling. We used to pay N200, 000 per child per term in primary school but it is now N280, 000. This excludes uniforms and books.”

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Jeniffer Samuel said the fees for her four-year-old granddaughter who is going to nursery one is N170,000.

“Her father would also have to buy uniforms and books from the school…It is sad because they don’t allow parents to go to the market and buy the uniforms. They make a lot of fortune from it.”

Asked why she will not take the girl to a public school, which is free, Jenifer said, “We all attended public schools during our days but the dynamics are different now. This is the truth; if you want your children to excel, you have to pay heavily for their education,” she said.

Another parent, Mr Kelvin Oji said her children’s school increased fees by 25 per cent for the new session.

“I didn’t even go through the paper to know why they are charging because it has become a norm, they always increase fees.

“The last two sessions recorded 10 and 15 per cent increment, but now they have raised it by 25 per cent,” he said.

Abdulkadir Abubakar, a trader in Kano and father of three, said that the increment was meant to exploit parents.

“I don’t see any reason why the schools are increasing their fees; there is nothing new about their service to our children to warrant any review. The state government or the school regulatory agency should come to our aid.”

For Malam Aminu Ibrahim, a civil servant, private schools were becoming business ventures that the owners use to exploit parents.

Alhaji Ado Sale, a businessman, said that he was considering enrolling his children in public schools because of the arbitrary increase in fees in private schools.

Malama Hadiza Ali, a widow who has four children in private schools, said: “Apart from school fees, I have so much on my neck, like feeding, rent and so on. I am thinking of enrolling them into a public school instead.”

In Lagos, a banker, Mr Lawrence Olu, lamented that school fees take the highest portion of parents’ annual income, it had reduced the standard of living for households.

“My son’s school has increased the fee by over 15 per cent. I have decided to withdraw my son from the school because I cannot cope.”

Another resident of Lagos, Uncle Sam said the economic situation of the country is making life difficult for him, despite being a salary earner.

“Sincerely, this is not going to be easy for parents because even the summer lessons fees were increased above 50 per cent compared to what we paid last time. We understand the situation of the economy but most of these schools are taking advantage of the situation to exploit parents,” he said.

A Vulcaniser in Ikeja, Mr Waheed Shamsudeen said he will withdraw his four kids from a private school they are attending because of increased fees.

“Though I promised my wife before she died that I was going to do all I can to give the kids a good education, at this point, I can no longer cope with high school fees.”

A parent in Port Harcourt, Onyeka Imeadi said, “We used to pay N30, 000 but the management of the school wrote to inform us that the school fees will be increased to N50,000 from the next academic session.”

‘No salary increase for teachers’

Checks by our correspondents showed that most of the schools have no plan to increase the salaries of their staff members.

A teacher in a private school in Oyigbo, Lagos said the management of the school is using the economic situation in the country as an excuse to hike the school fees.

“Some schools are hiking the school fees, but they are being selfish because the increase has not in any way extended to us the teachers.

“They have increased fees in the school. I teach in, using the economic situation as an excuse but I want to let you know that my salary has remained the same without any increase,” he said.

Khamis Aliyu, who teaches in a private school in Jos, Plateau State said he is looking for another job.

“I am a graduate but I get N25,000 as salary in the private school I teach. This is not enough to buy grains for my family for one month.

“We are humans, we deserve empathy. We pay for food items, electricity, transportation, house rent and school fees for our children, among others.

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“Private school proprietors are greedy. Our counterparts in public schools earn more but ironically, parents take their children to private schools,” he said.

Sadiya Musa, a 300-level student of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, said she is paid N9, 000 in the private school she is teaching in.

“I have been teaching since after I finished my diploma. I continued to teach even after I got admission for my degree programme but the take-home pay is not really encouraging,” she said.

Inflation behind increase – Proprietors

The Chairman of Voyage International School, Abuja, Yussuff Oriyomi said they did not increase school fees but slightly reviewed the cost of feeding, transportation and uniforms.

He said the increase is by about 20 per cent for obvious reasons, as costs of food commodities keep increasing weekly.

“We import the uniforms from the UK and we all know what the exchange rate is today; so we have to adjust our charges.”

A proprietor of a private school in Rivers State, Lotanna Agbai said given the economic situation in the country they have to increase the school fees.

“If you look at the present economic situation in the country, you will find out that things are getting out of hand. We have to make little adjustments to see how we can take care of the cost of running the school. We have staff wages to take care of and we also have utility bills to pay. These are the factors we put into consideration before we come out with the little adjustment we made in our fees,” he said.

A school proprietor in Kano, who doesn’t want his name to be mentioned, said the issue of high fees in private schools was not new.

“Any parent who sends his children to private school should know that he/ she would have to pay more. So it is voluntary. That is why the schools are called private schools, private arrangements. When you say private school, you expect all facilities to be up to date, functioning with experienced staff.”

Another school proprietor, Hajiya Aisha Ahmad of AlHidayah Academy, said that the fees were increased due to the inflation in the country as private schools were involved in running so many things which needed money.

Many of the proprietors, however, said the increment in tuition fees might not necessarily translate to an increase in the salary of teachers.

They said the increase was meant to cater for the day-to-day running of the schools.

Daily Trust

Related Topics:kids parents Schools Fees

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NUT Declares Indefinite Strike in Oyo Over Abducted Teachers, Pupils

Published

14 hours ago

June 1, 2026

Trends Admin

NUT Declares Indefinite Strike in Oyo Over Abducted Teachers, Pupils

IBADAN – The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has directed all public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State to commence an indefinite strike from Monday, June 1, 2026, over the continued abduction of teachers and pupils in the state.

The directive, issued by the union’s national leadership and conveyed through the Oyo State Wing, is intended to press home demands for urgent government action to secure the safe release of the victims, whose whereabouts remain unknown more than two weeks after they were taken captive.

In a statement signed by the NUT Oyo State Wing Chairman, Hassan Fatai, and Secretary, Salami Olukayode, the union said the prolonged captivity of the abductees has created fear and anxiety among teachers and disrupted confidence in the school system. According to the union, the situation has also discouraged parents from sending their children to school and heightened tension within affected communities.

The NUT stated that the strike is aimed at drawing the attention of government authorities to the need for intensified efforts to secure the immediate and unconditional release of the abducted teachers and pupils. It urged teachers across the state to comply fully with the directive, remain law-abiding, and ensure their safety while staying away from classrooms throughout the period of the industrial action. The union also expressed solidarity with the abducted victims and their families, stressing that it would continue engagements with relevant authorities until the affected individuals are safely rescued. It reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare and security of teachers and learners nationwide, noting that the protection of school communities remains a top priority.

In a circular jointly signed by the National President of the union, Comrade Audu Titus Amba, and the Secretary General, Dr. Clinton J. Ikpitibo, the NUT confirmed the strike directive and ordered all its state wings across the country to organise nationwide solidarity rallies on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, to demand the unconditional release of the abducted teachers and learners. According to the directive, participants in the rallies are expected to converge at various Government Houses across the federation, where state leaders of the union will address the media on the need to guarantee safer learning environments for teachers and students. The union’s national leadership described the rallies as part of broader efforts to demand safe and secure learning environments across Nigeria.

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Speaking with The PUNCH on Sunday, Amba confirmed the directive, saying teachers had been instructed to stay at home until further notice. “We have directed all teachers in Oyo State to remain at home starting from tomorrow (Monday),” the NUT National President told The PUNCH. The national circular, dated May 29, 2026, directed all “public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State to withdraw services indefinitely from Monday, June 1, 2026, until the abducted colleagues and learners are safely released.”

The NUT expressed deep concern over what it described as the “horrifying, inhumane and traumatic conditions” being endured by the abducted teachers and students since their abduction on May 15, 2026, in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The union lamented that despite previous appeals to government and security agencies to secure the release of the victims, they remained in captivity, while reports emerging from the kidnappers’ den continued to generate anxiety among teachers, parents and members of the public. According to the union, the prolonged captivity of the teachers and learners, coupled with the absence of any clear indication of their imminent rescue, informed its decision to direct teachers in Oyo State to suspend academic activities until the victims regain their freedom. The union recalled its earlier statement titled “Stop the Attacks on Schools, Teachers and Learners Now – Not Until We Perish,” noting that it had previously warned of possible industrial action should urgent measures fail to secure the release of the victims.

The abductions occurred on May 15, 2026, when armed men attacked three schools simultaneously in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire LGA, Oyo State. The targeted schools included Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School. The attackers, numbering about 12, came on motorcycles and struck at about 9:30 a.m., abducting a total of 39 students and seven teachers. Among those abducted is a two-year-old pupil of Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Christianah Akanbi.

During the attack, a mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was beheaded. A motorcyclist was also killed after resisting having his motorcycle snatched, and a security operative died after running into improvised explosive devices planted by the abductors during early rescue attempts. The car of the Principal of Community Grammar School, Mrs. Rachael Alamu, was forcefully used to convey some people before being abandoned and set ablaze. The union expressed particular concern over reports of killings among the captives, as well as emotional video appeals allegedly made by the abducted school principal (Mrs. Rachael Alamu) and a nursing mother from inside their captors’ den, calling on the Federal Government, Oyo State Government, the NUT, and well-meaning Nigerians to intervene and secure their release.

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The Oyo State wing of the NUT has confirmed full compliance with the directive. In a circular dated May 31, 2026, signed by State Secretary, Salami Olukayode, the union formally announced the withdrawal of services by teachers in public schools across the state. The state wing urged members to remain law-abiding and stay safe at home while engagements continue with relevant authorities for the safe return of the abductees. It also reaffirmed solidarity with victims and their families, calling for urgent and decisive action to address insecurity in schools. The union reiterated its commitment to the welfare and security of teachers and learners nationwide, noting that the protection of school communities remains a top priority. It assured members that it would continue lawful engagements with relevant government authorities until the victims regain their freedom.

The strike announcement came on the same day a high-powered Federal Government delegation, led by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, visited the affected communities to convey President Bola Tinubu’s concern over the incident. During the visit, the President approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards for Oyo State in partnership with the Oyo State Government and directed a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts to free the abducted pupils and teachers. The delegation also informed community leaders that their request for the establishment of a military base in the area would be transmitted to the President for consideration and approval.

Members of the delegation included the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu; the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.) ; and the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare. Addressing residents in English and Yoruba, Gbajabiamila said Tinubu’s decision to dispatch top security officials to the affected communities reflected the administration’s determination to deploy every available resource to secure the victims’ release. Responding to appeals from parents and community leaders urging caution in the rescue mission, he said security agencies would rely on intelligence-driven strategies to safeguard the lives of the victims.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, visited the affected communities on Saturday and assured families of the victims that efforts were ongoing to secure their release. “Please believe in me. I have not been sleeping well myself. Together with the service commanders, we meet twice every day, once in the morning and once at night, sometimes until 10 or 11 p.m.,” the governor said. The governor has also appealed to residents, families and concerned citizens to pray for the safe release of the abducted victims, warning that protests could embolden their captors and undermine ongoing rescue efforts.

As of the time of reporting, rescue operations were ongoing, with security agencies working to secure the safe return of all abducted victims.

NUT Declares Indefinite Strike in Oyo Over Abducted Teachers, Pupils

Education

Adeleke Approves New Salary Package for UNILESA Lecturers

Published

3 days ago

May 30, 2026

Trends Admin

Adeleke Approves New Salary Package for UNILESA Lecturers

OSOGBO, OSUN STATE – Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has approved the immediate implementation of a reviewed remuneration package for academic staff of the University of Ilesa (UNILESA) . The new pay structure mirrors the package earlier approved for Osun State University, Osogbo (UNIOSUN) , representing a significant step in standardising compensation across state-owned universities in Osun and bringing UNILESA academics to par with their counterparts at the more established institution.

The approval was conveyed to the UNILESA Vice-Chancellor in a letter dated May 29, 2026, with reference number NEBS/UNILESA/VOL.2/033, signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Mr M.A.K. Jimoh . The letter formally communicated the governor’s directive for immediate implementation of the reviewed pay structure. According to the state government, the review is aimed at improving staff welfare and motivation, reducing brain drain, and positioning the university to attract top-tier, world-class academics . The government’s proactive approach to staff welfare is seen as a strategic move to retain experienced lecturers and recruit new talent in an increasingly competitive academic environment.

Reacting to the development in a statement issued by the Senior Assistant Registrar of the Corporate Services and Information Unit, Babatunde Fanawopo, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Taiwo Olufemi Asaolu, a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA), commended the governor for his continued commitment to education and staff welfare . Professor Asaolu assured that the gesture would further enhance dedication to teaching, research and community service as the university pursues its vision of becoming a centre of academic excellence . He noted that improved remuneration directly correlates with staff productivity and institutional output, particularly in research publications and student mentorship.

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This latest salary approval follows a series of significant interventions by the Adeleke administration at the University of Ilesa, which was established in April 2023 following the upgrade of the former Osun State College of Education, Ilesa . In April 2026, the Osun State Government approved the payment of over N3 billion in outstanding allowances and related entitlements owed to staff . Professor Asaolu disclosed during the institution’s third anniversary celebration in Ilesa that the government also approved the conversion of no fewer than 300 temporary staff to permanent appointments . According to the Vice-Chancellor, the intervention helped address earlier labour-related concerns within the institution, particularly those inherited from the former college . Retired staff and next-of-kin of deceased workers also benefited from the payments, bringing closure to long-standing financial obligations.

Professor Asaolu noted that the university had recorded remarkable transformation across its academic, infrastructural, and administrative sectors within three years of its establishment . He described the condition inherited at inception as challenging, marked by dilapidated infrastructure, obsolete facilities, and demoralised staff, with a student population of fewer than 1,000 . “The situation posed serious challenges to our take-off, but today, we have a good story to tell,” the Vice-Chancellor stated during a press briefing . Student enrolment has since grown from fewer than 1,000 at inception to over 15,000 across degree, JUPEB, and pre-degree programmes , which Professor Asaolu described as a reflection of public confidence in the university’s academic offerings.

The university currently runs 97 academic programmes, all approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC) , covering disciplines such as Law, Nursing Science, Medical Laboratory Science, Physiotherapy, Optometry, Chinese Studies, and Special Education . Forty of these programmes have already secured full accreditation status, which the Vice-Chancellor described as remarkable for a relatively young institution . The university has also received approval to commence the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme, pending final clearance from the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) . “This positions us strategically in medical education and healthcare delivery,” Professor Asaolu said .

As part of its expansion efforts, the university has established a Faculty of Technology with programmes in Civil, Computer, Electrical, and Mechatronics Engineering . The institution also reclaimed 15 acres of land previously occupied by housing units built by the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and acquired 24 units on the site to serve as the faculty’s base . The Vice-Chancellor also announced the establishment of the University of Ilesa Teaching Hospital following the upgrade of the State General Hospital, Ilesa, which is being upgraded to support clinical training and improve healthcare delivery in Ijesaland and surrounding areas .

In a bid to address manpower gaps, the university has introduced tuition-free education for students in the Faculties of Education and Agriculture . Additionally, children and wards of staff enjoy a 50 per cent tuition discount as part of the institution’s commitment to staff welfare . The institution has also strengthened entrepreneurship training, equipping students with practical skills in areas such as fashion design, solar installation, agribusiness, and digital content creation . “These initiatives ensure our graduates are job creators, not just job seekers,” Professor Asaolu said . The state government also reconstructed the university’s road network, improving accessibility and campus aesthetics .

Despite progress made, the Vice-Chancellor identified key challenges, including inadequate hostel accommodation, unstable power supply, and the need for more lecture halls and laboratories, while assuring that the university was addressing these issues as part of its long-term development plan . Professor Asaolu reaffirmed the university’s commitment to academic excellence, infrastructure development, staff welfare, and community engagement, expressing appreciation to the Governing Council, staff, students, donors, and the Ijesa community for their support . “As we consolidate these gains, we remain committed to building a world-class institution that will stand the test of time,” he said .

Adeleke Approves New Salary Package for UNILESA Lecturers

Education

How to Check WAEC GCE Result Using Your Phone Fast (Step-by-Step Guide)

Published

4 days ago

May 29, 2026

Trends Admin

How to Check WAEC GCE Result Using Your Phone Fast (Step-by-Step Guide)

Thousands of candidates who sat for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for Private Candidates, commonly called WAEC GCE, are expected to access their results online immediately after release—many now using smartphones for faster and easier access.

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has made it possible for candidates in Nigeria and other participating countries to check their results directly via mobile phones using either the official result portal or SMS service, without visiting cybercafés or WAEC offices.

Requirements Before Checking Your WAEC GCE Result

Before starting, ensure you have the following ready:

Your WAEC GCE Examination Number
Correct Examination Year (First or Second Series)
A valid WAEC Result Checker PIN (e-PIN)
Serial Number on your scratch card or e-PIN slip
Stable internet connection (for online method) or airtime (for SMS method)

These details are essential because incorrect entries often lead to error messages or failed result retrieval.

How to Check WAEC GCE Result Online Using Your Phone

The fastest and most reliable method is through the official WAEC portal.

Step 1: Visit WAEC Result Portal

Open your mobile browser (Chrome, Opera Mini, Safari) and go to:
https://www.waecdirect.org

Step 2: Enter Examination Number

Input your correct WAEC GCE examination number as used during registration.

Step 3: Select Exam Year and Type

Choose:

Examination Year (e.g. 2026)
Examination Type: WAEC GCE (Private Candidate – First or Second Series)

Step 4: Enter PIN and Serial Number

Input your Result Checker PIN and Serial Number carefully.

Step 5: Submit and View Result

Click Submit to display your WAEC GCE result instantly.

Step 6: Save Your Result

Take a screenshot or download the result slip for future use.

📌 During peak hours, the portal may be slow due to heavy traffic. If this happens, wait and try again later.

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How to Check WAEC GCE Result via SMS (No Internet Required)

Candidates without internet access can use SMS:

Step 1: Open Messaging App

Go to your phone’s SMS application.

Step 2: Type Correct Format

Send in this format:

WAECExamNoPIN*ExamYear

Example:
WAEC4250101001123456789012*2026

Step 3: Send to WAEC Shortcode

Send to: 32327

Step 4: Receive Result

Your WAEC GCE result will be delivered via SMS shortly.

📌 SMS service typically costs about ₦30 per request depending on network.

Why You Should Save or Print Your Result

After checking your result:

Save a screenshot or PDF copy
Print a hard copy for admission or job applications
Avoid repeated PIN purchases
Use it for JAMB, university admissions, scholarships, or employment screening

Note that institutions may still request the official WAEC certificate later.