The governments of Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states have issued strong warnings to private school owners, advising them against arbitrary fee hikes and urging them to adhere to the established educational regulations.
Following the recent removal of fuel and other subsidies, many private schools in these states have continued to raise their fees, adding to the burden already felt by struggling families.
Alhaji Bulama Abiso, Chairman of the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Borno, expressed deep concerns about the growing trend of fee hikes and the challenges it poses to families in these difficult times.
“Education is a shared responsibility,” Abiso stated. “We must work together to ensure that schools operate in a way that balances quality education with affordability.”
He emphasised that arbitrary fee hikes are not just a financial strain but also undermine the balance between quality and accessibility in education.
“It is not just about the cost; it’s about making sure that education remains accessible for all, regardless of income,” he said.
In Borno, the Commissioner for Education, Engr. Lawan Wakilbe, met with private school owners in Maiduguri to address the issue directly. He made it clear that any attempt to increase school fees without following proper procedures would not be tolerated.
“Unilateral fee hikes without consultation with parents and teachers will not be allowed,” Wakilbe stated. “We must ensure that parents, who are already struggling financially, are part of the conversation before any fee increase is decided.”
The Commissioner highlighted the importance of complying with state educational guidelines, which include not just fee regulations but also safety standards. He called for a commitment to maintaining the structural integrity of school buildings, especially multi-story facilities, to ensure the safety of students and staff.
Wakilbe also acknowledged the growing issue of student indiscipline in the state, calling for collaborative efforts to address the situation.
The concerns echoed in Borno were mirrored in Yobe, where the Commissioner for Basic Education, Dr. Abba Idris, issued a direct statement regarding the fee limits for private schools.
Dr. Idris announced that school fees for both primary and secondary private schools in Yobe should not exceed N50,000 per student. He stressed that any school found charging more than this amount must have justifiable reasons, which must be approved by the state government.
“Education in Yobe is a social service, not a commercial enterprise,” Dr. Idris remarked. He warned that any school violating the newly introduced “fee cap policy” would face serious consequences.
To ensure compliance, the state government has been actively monitoring schools. Dr. Idris highlighted the efforts of school inspectors who had recently confiscated textbooks promoting homosexuality, which had been smuggled into the state. These actions, he said, are part of broader efforts to maintain the integrity of the education system.
“The state government is committed to protecting the values, culture, and religion of our people,” he explained. “Our inspectors are ensuring that the curriculum aligns with our standards and that students receive quality education.”
In Adamawa, where private schools play a significant role in the state’s educational landscape, the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Garba Pella, reinforced that the government keeps a close watch on private schools to prevent any form of exploitation.
Dr. Pella made it clear that whenever a fee increase is proposed, private school owners must submit a formal request to the ministry, explaining the rationale behind the increase.
“We monitor private schools closely to ensure there is no abuse of power or exploitation,” he said. “If a fee increase is necessary, schools must request approval from the ministry, ensuring transparency and fairness.”
