Parents Decry Hike In Primary School Fees

Parents of wards and pu
pils of Nursery and Primary Schools have expressed fears over the hike in the school fees for next session, and have called on the state Ministry of Education to intervene in order for children of  low income earners to get formal education.
Speaking to The Tide at the weekend, Mrs Pauline Asimie, a pharmacist, said, “it is saddening how these schools increase their fees.  You can’t imagine that school fees of N16,000 was suddenly increased to N40,000.  I mean, the gap is too wide. From 16,000 to 20,000 or 25,000 is appreciable but not 40,000″.
Another parent, Mrs Ozioma Nwokeocha said, “I know that education is very important especially in today’s world.  But do we have to kill ourselves for our children to attain it?  Some of these schools are increasing their fees almost every year and who knows how it will be in this academic year. It has not been easy with those of  with three to four children in the system”.
“I quite agree with the cry but then, I know that these schools are in categories.  Parents should learn to go for the ones that they can afford.  If they do, they will not have this funny experience because, afterall, education is not totally about the school but about the child”, said Thomas Fiberesima, a civil servant.
Also speaking, Pastor Prince Ndudi lamented the high rate of increase in the school fees of these children even by the mission schools stating that such act is not in accordance with the tenets of God’s vision in their mission to the world.
He said, “these mission schools are supposed to be considerate so as to attract these children and win them for Christ.  Unfortunately, most times, their fees  are higher than that of the secular schools.
When contacted, proprietresses of one of the Nursery/Primary operating in Port Harcourt and Iriebe respectively, who pleaded anonymity, said “the increment could be due largely to the demands of the time.  Everything is going up and so is education.  The educational materials are becoming more technical and expensive. Besides, to teach and cater for these children demands a lot.  We plead that parents should understand and bear with us”.

Lady Godknows Ogbulu