From Premium Times Nigeria · · 2m
Beyond tuition, extra school charges deepen financial strain on Nigerian parents
Nigerian parents face mounting costs beyond tuition as schools charge for graduation ceremonies, textbooks, and other activities.
In brief
Nigerian parents face mounting costs beyond tuition as schools charge for graduation ceremonies, textbooks, and other activities. Nigerian parents pay additional fees for graduation ceremonies, textbooks, and other school activities that strain household budgets. Originally reported by Premium Times Nigeria.
Parents report extra school charges
Parents across Nigeria describe additional bills for graduation ceremonies, textbooks, costumes, feeding, extra lessons, photographs, and parties.
Megaliy International School charges
Megaliy International School in Abuja charges n20,000 for nursery, n25,000 for junior secondary, and n50,000 for senior secondary graduation.
Lagos school fees
Lagos parents pay n45,000 for graduation ceremonies plus n154,000 for costumes, jewelry, and accessories for their children.
Katsina school fees
Maryam Majiri Memorial International School charges n3,000 for kindergarten graduation and n5,000 for senior secondary students.
Textbooks and compulsory purchases
Schools require parents to buy textbooks directly from the school to avoid pirated copies and ensure uniformity.
Government restrictions
Federal government restricted graduation ceremonies to primary six, junior secondary three, and senior secondary three students in January 2026.
State-level enforcement
Ogun State prohibited graduation ceremonies for non-terminal classes in public and private schools in June 2026.
Schools defend charges
Schools argue additional fees cover refreshments, cultural activities, and ensure students have legitimate textbooks.
Parent financial strain
![National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. [PHOTO CREDIT: Official X handle of Mr Ribadu | https://x.com/NuhuRibadu/status/1706387205881581715?s=20]](https://i0.wp.com/media.premiumtimesng.com/wp-content/files/2024/02/Nuhu-Ribadu-NSA.jpg?w=1883&ssl=1)
Parents delay payments or face pressure from children to attend graduation events despite financial constraints.
Kano State regulation
Kano State passed legislation requiring consultation with parents through parent-teacher associations before fee increases.
Textbook fees persist
Benue State prohibits compulsory textbook purchases but some private schools still charge for textbooks.
Parent complaints
Many parents report verbal complaints about graduation fees but are reluctant to write formal complaints due to fear of repercussions.
Schools explain fees
Schools say fees cover refreshments, cultural activities, and ensure students have legitimate textbooks to avoid pirated copies.
Financial impact
For families with multiple children, additional school charges quickly add up to significant financial strain.
Government response
Federal and state governments move to reduce financial burden through restrictions on graduation ceremonies and textbook purchases.
What happens next
Schools and governments continue to balance financial pressures with educational needs for private school students.
At a glance
Nigerian parents pay additional fees for graduation ceremonies, textbooks, and other school activities that strain household budgets.
