Parents of students at the Federal Science and Technical College, Yaba, Lagos, have voiced strong opposition to an abrupt increase in the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) fee from the government-approved ₦5,000 to ₦11,500.
The unexpected hike has raised concerns about the transparency and decision-making processes within the college administration.
According to sources, the PTA executives imposed the fee increase without consulting parents, which many are describing as arbitrary and unjustified.
The increase affects over 5,000 students, potentially generating ₦32.5 million for the institution.
Parents are frustrated, particularly since boarding students cannot resume without evidence of PTA and school fee payments.
A parent expressed dissatisfaction, saying, “Government policy sets the PTA fee at ₦5,000, but these executives are hiding behind technicalities to enforce the hike.”
Another parent added, “We were promised consultations, but there was no feedback before this increase was imposed. This must end.”
The PTA levy has been a contentious issue for years. A similar increase was attempted by the previous PTA administration, raising the fee to ₦7,500 without proper justification, though it was eventually reduced to ₦5,000.
The latest surge to ₦11,500 has reignited tensions, with parents demanding that any necessary increases be capped at ₦7,500.
Efforts to contact PTA Chairman Akeem Ibrahim for comment have been unsuccessful, as his calls and messages have gone unanswered.
Parents are now calling for greater transparency and a reversal of the fee hike, warning that unchecked increases could lead to unaffordable levels.
Letters seeking clarification from the school’s management have also gone unanswered, intensifying the frustration.
