Fees Hike: Parents Express Mixed Feelings as Schools Resume
As school resumes for a new session all across the nation, a cross section of parents and guardians have been expressing their opinion on the increase of school fees as well as the high rate of amount spent in buying books, school uniforms and other school levies.
A cursory look at the school fees in private schools reveals that additional expenses such as medical fees, books, exam fees, several pairs of uniforms, PTA levies and other stationery are the major cause of the exorbitant fees which comes with a new session in many schools.
Speaking to our correspondent in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, many parents decry the payments made for their children particularly in private schools saying it has become worrisome as they are made to pay for all these expenses to keep their children in school.
Mr Akene Desmond, a parent noted that although most schools give opportunities to parents to pay in instalments but they are not very patient when parents default which results in children being sent away from school, affecting their education and mental health.
However, another parent, Chief Jombo Clarkson noted that due to the high rate of inflation and high price of things in the market, he expected an increase in school fees as school owners also need funds to run their business.
However, he pleaded with owners of private schools not to further increase their fees as many parents do not have an increase in their salaries and they also have to feed and clothe these children.
Another parent, Mrs Alice Ighosotu emphasized the need for school owners be more humane when increasing their fees adding that many parents are struggling to give their children quality education which makes them go for private schools rather than the public ones.
Other guardians who pleaded anonymity pointed out that owners of private schools should not just demand for school fees but employ qualified teaching staff and provide more conducive environment for learning as many school environment are quite shabby.
They also appealed to stakeholders in the education sector to review these schools fees and caution private school owners on regular increase.
