Economic Downturn: Nigerian Private Schools Suffers Massive Withdrawal Of Students

The current state of Nigeria’s economic (Receesion) has taken a toll on the country’s institutions of learning, ranging from secondary schools to tertiary institutions, as many parents and guardians have been forced to pull out their wards from private secondary schools.  

Students

As private institutions resumed for the new academic session nationwide, lots of proprietors in the federal capital, Abuja, saw that their previously filled classrooms had become significantly sparse. According to report, parents had decided to move their children to more affordable public schools.

A large number of the private schools, primary, secondary and university, charged fees that ranged from N200, 000 to one million naira per session. In addition, some of the private schools insist on collecting school fees in dollars, rather than naira.

Earlier report indicates that various private schools in Abuja spoke of significant reductions in their student body. One school proprietor, who sought anonymity, described the development as “worrying,” adding that the Federal Government should put in place an aid package to empower Nigerians to meet basic necessities and improve their living standards. The withdrawal of students from private schools was “a precarious signal capable of spelling doom for the future of the country,” he said.

“It is sad that things have degenerated to this level where parents are forced to compromise the future of their children as a result of hardship. There is no alternative to education. Education should be seen not as a luxury but a necessity,” he further stressed.

Meanwhile, one of the parents revealed that her decision to withdraw two of her children from a private school to nonpayment of her salaries.

She stressed, “The non-payment of my salaries by the company I work for, and double digit inflation rates which have brought untold hardship to me and others.”  The economic situation has made it difficult for me and other parents to meet financial obligations. “The irregularity of my salary has severely reduced my purchasing power,” She added.