High graduation fees spark outrage among parents, guardians

The growing cost of graduation fees in Nigerian schools has sparked widespread criticism from parents, guardians and education stakeholders, with many describing the trend as an unfair financial burden at a time when families are grappling with rising inflation and the high cost of living.

Across the country, parents have raised concerns over what they describe as excessive charges imposed by both private and public schools for end-of-session graduation and valedictory ceremonies. The fees, which vary widely depending on the school, often cover graduation gowns, certificates, photographs, entertainment, refreshments, souvenirs, decorations and venue logistics.

Many parents argue that the combined cost of these charges now rivals or even exceeds a full term’s tuition in some schools, making it increasingly difficult for low- and middle-income families to participate in ceremonies marking important educational milestones.

Some parents also allege that graduation payments are presented as compulsory, leaving families with little choice but to pay to prevent their children from being excluded from the celebrations alongside their classmates.

The concerns come as Nigeria continues to experience rising inflation, increasing transportation costs and higher prices for goods and services, all of which have placed significant pressure on household incomes. For many families, paying school fees, purchasing textbooks and uniforms, and meeting other educational expenses have already stretched their finances.

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Education advocates have warned that the increasing commercialisation of school graduation ceremonies risks shifting attention away from academic achievement to lavish celebrations. They argue that graduation events should remain modest, inclusive and centred on recognising pupils’ educational progress rather than becoming expensive social occasions.

Stakeholders also caution that excessive graduation fees could widen inequality among pupils, as children whose parents cannot afford the charges may miss out on activities that celebrate years of academic effort and personal development.

Some school administrators have defended the charges, explaining that the cost of organising graduation ceremonies has increased due to inflation and the rising prices of event venues, customised graduation gowns, decorations, catering services, security, electricity and professional photography.

According to school proprietors, many graduation ceremonies are designed to create memorable experiences for pupils and their families while showcasing students’ achievements. They argue that the fees reflect the actual cost of organising quality events rather than an attempt to exploit parents.

However, consumer rights groups have called for greater transparency in the way schools determine graduation charges. They urged school management to provide detailed breakdowns of all fees and avoid imposing hidden or unnecessary levies on parents.

Education experts have also urged schools to adopt more affordable approaches by organising simple graduation ceremonies within school premises instead of expensive off-campus events that significantly increase costs.

They further called on state ministries of education and relevant regulatory agencies to develop guidelines that would prevent excessive graduation charges while allowing schools to celebrate students’ achievements in a dignified and affordable manner.

Parents’ associations have similarly appealed to school owners to consider the prevailing economic realities when fixing graduation fees, stressing that no child should be denied the opportunity to celebrate an academic milestone because of financial constraints.

As the debate continues, stakeholders agree that graduation ceremonies remain an important tradition in Nigeria’s education system. However, many insist that celebrations should reflect moderation, inclusiveness and affordability so that every graduating pupil can participate without placing unnecessary financial pressure on families.

High graduation fees spark outrage among parents, guardians

UNILAG fixes July 27 for 2026 Post-UTME, releases guidelines

The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has announced that its 2026/2027 Post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (Post-UTME) screening exercise will begin on Monday, July 27, 2026, with the aptitude test scheduled to run until Friday, July 31, 2026.

The university also disclosed that a mandatory mock examination will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026, to enable candidates to test their devices and familiarize themselves with the online examination platform before the main screening.

The announcement was made in a statement signed by the Registrar and Secretary to Council, Mrs. V. Abosede Wickliffe, who urged all candidates to carefully read and comply with the institution’s 23 examination guidelines, warning that violations could lead to disqualification, cancellation of results or other disciplinary measures.

The screening exercise comes after the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) disclosed that 78,240 candidates selected UNILAG as their first-choice institution during the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), making the university one of the most sought-after higher institutions in Nigeria.

Although JAMB did not reveal how many candidates scored the required 200 and above, UNILAG had earlier stated that only applicants who met the minimum UTME score, selected the university as their first choice and satisfied other admission requirements would participate in the screening exercise. Eligible candidates must also possess the required O’Level credits and attain the minimum admission age stipulated by the university.

Unlike the traditional computer-based screening conducted physically on campus, UNILAG said the 2026 Post-UTME will be conducted entirely online under a remote proctoring system. The university explained that the technology allows candidates to take the examination from approved locations while ensuring the integrity of the process through continuous audio and video monitoring. According to the institution, every stage of the examination will be recorded to verify candidates’ identities and detect any form of examination malpractice.

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UNILAG announced that participation in the mock examination is mandatory for all candidates. The institution explained that the exercise is designed to confirm that candidates’ laptops, webcams, microphones, browsers, internet connections and examination environments meet the technical requirements for the actual screening. It added that participation in the mock examination does not automatically guarantee successful access to the main examination if candidates subsequently change their devices, internet connections, software configurations or examination locations. No additional fee will be charged for the mock examination.

Candidates are required to pay ₦5,000 for the Post-UTME screening, comprising ₦2,000 as the application fee and ₦3,000 as administrative charges. The university advised candidates to complete every stage of the registration process using only its official admission portal and to disregard individuals or websites claiming to facilitate admission for a fee.

One of the major changes introduced for the screening exercise is the compulsory use of laptop computers equipped with built-in webcams and microphones. UNILAG said candidates will not be allowed to use mobile phones, tablets, external webcams, HDMI-connected monitors, smart glasses, smart watches, earbuds, headphones or other wearable electronic devices during the examination. The university directed candidates to ensure that their webcams remain unobstructed throughout the examination, noting that any interruption to video monitoring could lead to cancellation of the examination.

The institution issued a stern warning against all forms of examination malpractice, including impersonation, multiple logins, unauthorized assistance and communication with other persons during the examination. Candidates must remain alone in their examination environment throughout the screening, while their faces and ears must remain fully visible to the remote invigilators. UNILAG stressed that the presence of another person within the examination environment may be treated as examination misconduct and could result in immediate disqualification. The university also prohibited candidates from speaking, reading questions aloud or engaging in any behaviour capable of compromising the integrity of the examination.

Candidates have been advised to make adequate arrangements for uninterrupted electricity supply and reliable internet connectivity throughout the examination. UNILAG said it would not be liable for disruptions caused by power outages, internet failures or other technical problems beyond its control. The institution encouraged candidates experiencing technical issues to immediately report them through the “Need Help?” feature available on the examination platform before submitting any formal complaint.

The university also warned candidates against fraudsters and unauthorized admission agents, emphasizing that all information relating to the 2026/2027 Post-UTME exercise will be published only through its official website and verified communication channels. It reiterated that it reserves the right to postpone, suspend or reschedule any part of the screening exercise if circumstances require and maintained that its decisions regarding the conduct and outcome of the examination shall be final. Candidates were advised to adhere strictly to every instruction issued before, during and after the examination, stressing that ignorance of the rules would not be accepted as an excuse for non-compliance.

UNILAG fixes July 27 for 2026 Post-UTME, releases guidelines

Nigerian Students Make History, Clinch Gold at 2026 Spelling Bee World Cup in China

• Team Nigeria wins Gold Award in Middle School Category on maiden appearance at global competition in Shanghai

SHANGHAI, China – Nigeria has recorded a historic milestone in international academic competition as its contingent of four students emerged victorious at the 2026 Spelling Bee World Cup, winning the Gold Award in the Middle School Group Category.

The prestigious global competition, which took place in Shanghai, China, from July 14 to 19, 2026, saw Team Nigeria outperform participants from Asia, Africa, the United States, China, and Canada. Other African countries represented at the event included Ethiopia, Côte d’Ivoire, Malawi, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.

The Nigeria Spelling Bee announced the achievement on its official Facebook page on Sunday, July 19, celebrating the team’s outstanding performance. “Team Nigeria has won the Gold Award in the Middle School Group Category at the 2026 Spelling Bee World Cup in Shanghai, China,” the organisation posted.

What makes this victory particularly remarkable is that it marked Nigeria’s first-ever appearance at the Spelling Bee World Cup. The four-member squad earned their place on the global stage after advancing through the Nigeria Spelling Bee and the African Spelling Bee Championship held in Harare, Zimbabwe. The Nigerian contingent comprised Adeolu Oluwadamilola Oreofe of St. Lawrence Metropolitan College, Ado-Ekiti, who is the 2026 African Spelling Bee Junior champion; Abdurrahman Yusuf and Maryam Yusuf of Ar-Raheem International College, Ilorin; and Chinedu Okediachi of Madonna International Schools, Asaba. Ar-Raheem International College confirmed the success of its students, announcing on its Facebook page: “Ar-Raheem International College students Maryam YUSUF and Abdurrahman YUSUF won medals at Spelling Bee World Cup final in Shanghai, China 2026.”

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Before the competition, organisers had described the Nigerian representatives as “brilliant, articulate and exceptional,” expressing confidence in their ability to excel on the global stage. The Nigeria Spelling Bee had earlier announced the country’s historic participation, stating: “For the first time, Nigeria will be represented at the Spelling Bee World Cup, as four outstanding young spellers prepare to compete in Shanghai, China.” The organisers noted that the students were representing not only Nigeria but the African continent. “Their journey has been one of excellence and determination—beginning with the Nigeria Spelling Bee, progressing to the African Spelling Bee Championship in Harare, Zimbabwe, and now advancing to the world stage,” they added.

Oluwadamilola Adeolu qualified for the World Cup after emerging champion of the Junior category at the African Spelling Bee Championship in Harare, where she outperformed contestants from more than 20 African countries. Her victory at the continental level came with a $5,000 educational scholarship. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had earlier congratulated the 14-year-old on her African Spelling Bee triumph, describing the feat as one that “not only brings honour to Nigeria on the continental stage but also serves as an inspiration to millions of young Nigerians to pursue excellence in academics and personal development.” The President noted that Adeolu did not allow earlier disappointments to deter her from her determination to reach the top. She finished second at the 2023 MTN Spelling Bee and the 2024 Ekiti State Spelling Bee, placed fifth at the 2025 African Spelling Bee, and came second at the 2025 Nigeria Spelling Bee before clinching the continental crown in 2026.

At the continental competition in Harare, Maryam Yusuf emerged as the best Nigerian speller in the speed round, a demanding segment where participants were required to spell 20 words within one minute. Despite being a JSS 3 student competing in the senior category, she correctly spelled 17 words within the time limit, recording the highest score among the five Nigerian contestants. Her performance contributed significantly to Nigeria finishing as the second-best team in Africa in the speed test category. Abdurrahman Yusuf, her schoolmate, secured third position in the junior category at the African championship, adding to Nigeria’s medal haul.

The victory has sparked celebrations across Nigeria, with educators, parents, and well-wishers hailing the students for showcasing the nation’s academic excellence. The achievement is widely regarded as a significant boost for education in Nigeria and a reminder of the immense potential of the nation’s young talents when given the opportunity to excel. Organisers described Nigeria’s feat as a remarkable milestone reflecting unwavering dedication, resilience, and academic excellence. The success also highlights the growing popularity of spelling competitions in Nigeria, where schools and educational organisations have increasingly used spelling bees as tools for promoting literacy, expanding vocabulary, and encouraging a stronger reading culture among children and teenagers. For the young champions, the Gold Award provides recognition for months of preparation and competition, while offering another example of Nigerian students distinguishing themselves on the international academic stage. Supporters of the team described the victory as “more than a gold medal—it’s proof that Nigerian students can compete with and outperform the very best in the world.”

Nigerian Students Make History, Clinch Gold at 2026 Spelling Bee World Cup in China