Lagos Assembly intervenes in Model College fee hike as parents protest

Following a protest by Lagos parents over the recent hike in boarding fees for the state’s model colleges, the Lagos State House of Assembly has stepped in to address the situation.

The Assembly has directed its House Committee on Education, chaired by Hon. Mosunmola Sangodara, to engage with all relevant stakeholders and report back within a week.

The directive was issued after the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, met with the protesting parents at the Assembly’s gate. The fee increase, which raised boarding fees from N35,000 to N100,000 for the 2024/2025 academic session that began on September 15, has caused significant concern among parents.

During Monday’s plenary, Speaker Obasa noted that he intervened after hearing the protesters chanting at the Assembly’s entrance. He urged the parents to remain calm, assuring them that the matter would be addressed promptly.

Hon. Sangodara (Surulere II) informed the House that the committee had already engaged the Ministry of Education and other stakeholders regarding the issue.

For his part, Hon. Shabi Adekola (Lagos Mainland II) further explained that during a meeting with ministry officials, it was agreed that parents would continue paying the previous fee of N35,000 until a review of the new fee could be completed.

Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu (Eti-Osa Constituency II) highlighted that the fee hike was largely due to increased costs associated with feeding students. However, he called on the government to explore ways to alleviate the financial burden on parents and provide assistance where necessary.

Hon. Bonu Solomon (Badagry I) added that some parents had raised concerns that students unable to pay the new fee were being denied access to food purchases on school premises, worsening the situation for affected families.

The Assembly is now awaiting the education committee’s report before deciding on the next steps.