Fuel subsidy removal may lead to increase in tuition – Private school owners

By Gabriel Dike

The National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) says the recent removal of fuel subsidy would certainly affect the operations of members, which may lead to an increase in tuition.

NAPPS also stated that the decision of the Federal Government to remove fuel subsidy would have undeniable repercussions on private schools administration in the country.

National President of NAPPS, Chief Yomi Otubela, said this at a webinar roundtable initiative on the theme: ‘Government policies and resultant effect on private school administration: A case study on the removal of fuel subsidy.’

Otubela specifically said NAPPS members might be forced to increase school fees due to rising cost of running schools as a result of government removal of fuel subsidy.

According to him, the subsidy removal has far-reaching implications not only for private schools but also for the education sector as a whole.

His words: “Government policies have a profound impact on various aspects of our lives, and education is no exception. Private schools, in particular, play a crucial role in providing quality education and complementing the efforts of the government.

“The removal of fuel subsidy has had its ripple effect on private school administration. Transportation costs have soared, cost of goods and services have increased, forcing schools to reassess their budget allocations. This, in turn, has led to potential increases in tuition fees, placing an additional burden on parents already grappling with economic challenges.

He appealed to the government to provide palliatives such as school buses on lease agreement models, sponsor state and private teachers for training and give education grants to school teachers and administration.

Other demands include education banks to grant loans to teachers, school owners and parents at single digits and approve tax holidays for teachers and schools.

Otubela said the government must see the fulfilment of the palliatives demands as one of the major solutions to our country’s numerous challenges. 

Two speakers; Mr. Bismark Rewane, an economist, banker, and financial analyst and Prof. Olufemi Saibu, a professor of economics from the University of Lagos spoke at the Webinar.

Both advised NAPPS members to evolve strategies including financial prudence to mitigate the effects of government removal of fuel subsidy on the operations of their schools.