Nigerian Parents Struggle with Rising School Fees in 2026

Parents in Nigeria are experiencing heightened financial strain due to additional school charges that extend beyond tuition fees. At the Apo Resettlement Town Hall in Abuja, Mrs Kuburat reported paying nearly N100,000 for her three children's graduation fees, which included N20,000 for nursery, N25,000 for Junior Secondary School, and N50,000 for Senior Secondary School.

Even in non-graduation years, she paid N10,000 per child for end-of-session ceremonies. Interviews across various states revealed that parents face compulsory fees for graduation ceremonies, textbooks, and other activities, which exacerbate household budget pressures.

The federal government attempted to alleviate this burden by restricting graduation ceremonies to specific grades in January, but enforcement of these regulations varies by state. School administrators defended the charges as necessary for maintaining uniformity and supporting graduation events.

In Lagos, Damilola Ojuolape noted her daughter's primary school graduation cost N45,000, adding to the financial stress.