Gladys Ajaero, a private school proprietor, has expressed deep concern over the current economic hardship in Nigeria, explaining that it is the primary driver behind the recent increases in school fees nationwide.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s ‘Prime Time’ programme, Ajaero clarified that school owners are not arbitrarily seeking to extort parents but are instead responding to the severe economic pressures that have escalated their operational costs.
She emphasised that running a private school is fundamentally a business venture that requires maintaining certain standards.
These standards come with significant financial commitments, including paying teachers’ salaries, keeping the school environment, and supporting non-academic staff such as cleaners.
With the rising cost of goods and services, proprietors are faced with increased bills, making fee adjustments a necessary step for survival rather than an attempt to exploit families.
Ajaero advised parents to be pragmatic in their educational choices, urging them to select schools that align with their financial capabilities. She pointed out that a range of options exists, from institutions charging as much as one million naira to those offering quality education for fifty thousand naira.
The key, according to her, is for parents to find a school that provides a good standard of education within their budget rather than overextending themselves financially. Her comments serve as both an explanation of the challenges faced by educational businesses and practical guidance for families navigating these difficult economic times.
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cc: Daily Post NG
