Lagos Assembly To Review Model College Fee Hike After Parent Protest

The Lagos State House of Assembly has intervened in the recent increase in boarding fees at the state’s model colleges, following protests from concerned parents.

The Assembly has instructed Chairperson of the House Committee on Education, Hon. Mosunmola Sangodara, to summon all involved stakeholders and provide a report within a week.

Naija News reports that this decision was made after Speaker Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa addressed the protesters at the Assembly’s entrance.

The parents had gathered in response to the significant fee hike from ₦35,000 to ₦100,000 for the 2024/2025 academic session, which began on September 15, 2024.

Speaking during Monday’s plenary, Obasa explained that he felt compelled to engage with the protesting crowd when he heard their chants at the Assembly gate.

He assured the parents that their concerns would be taken seriously and encouraged them to remain calm while the issue is being reviewed.

Hon. Sangodara (Surulere II) confirmed that the committee had already initiated discussions with the Ministry of Education and other relevant parties.

Hon. Shabi Adekola (Lagos Mainland II) added that during initial meetings with the ministry, it was agreed that parents should continue paying the current fee of ₦35,000 until further discussions on the fee hike were concluded.

Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu (Eti-Osa Constituency II) highlighted that the fee increase was largely driven by the rising costs of feeding students.

He called on the government to consider ways to ease the financial burden on parents, including providing assistance where needed.

Adding to the discussion, Hon. Bonu Solomon (Badagry I) expressed concerns from parents that students who couldn’t afford the new fees were restricted from buying food on school premises, further complicating the situation.

The Assembly awaits the education committee’s report before making further decisions on the matter.