“Don’t Blame Us for School Fee Increases — Blame the Economy,” Says Enugu Proprietor

As schools resumed for a new academic session on Monday, September 8, an Enugu-based school proprietor, Gladys Ajaero, has addressed concerns about the recent increase in school fees. In an interview with Arise TV, Ajaero defended the fee hike, attributing it not to exploitation but to the worsening economic situation in the country. 

She emphasized that the rising costs of basic services and educational materials have left private schools with little choice. 

“Running a private school is a business venture,” Ajaero stated. “You can choose to pay ₦1 million, ₦200,000, or even ₦50,000 for school fees depending on your financial capacity—each has its own standard.” 

She explained that the increase in tuition fees is directly tied to inflation and the skyrocketing cost of essential resources like books, teaching aids, diesel, electricity, and food items. These rising expenses, she said, are affecting the overall sustainability of school operations. 

“We don’t produce the books; we buy them. Sometimes even with an additional ₦100,000, they are still expensive,” she said. 

“The hike in fees is not an attempt to extort parents. The economic realities are affecting every part of the system. Last year, a teacher was content with ₦60,000 or ₦70,000 salary. Today, even ₦100,000 doesn’t cover basic living costs.” 

Her comments come amid growing frustration from parents, many of whom have expressed concern that the rising school fees are becoming unaffordable in the current economic climate.