Parents groan as schools raise fees for new academic session
By Akintan Adeola Rachael
With the 2025/2026 academic session underway, many parents are reeling under fresh financial pressure as private schools roll out steep tuition hikes, citing spiralling costs of diesel, staff transport, and other operational expenses.
Private schools, which serve a significant portion of Nigeria’s middle class, have raised fees sharply, leaving families struggling to adjust.
“I was shocked when I got the invoice for my children’s school fees,” said Mrs. Salami, a parent in Abuja.
“The fees went up by almost 70%, and they didn’t even warn us ahead of time. They say it’s because of fuel prices and the general inflation in the country.
” But who is going to help us parents? We can’t just print money.”
While public schools remain cheaper, they too are feeling the pressure.
The mass movement of students from private to government-owned institutions has led to overcrowded classrooms, overstretched facilities, and a deepening teacher shortage.
In Dutse, Mr. Sunday, who recently withdrew his children from a private school, voiced concern.
“I had no choice but to take them to a government school because I couldn’t afford the private school fees anymore.
But the classrooms are overcrowded, and I worry that the quality of education will suffer,” he said.
