Parents Decry FG’s PTA Levy Hike in Unity Schools Amid Economic Hardship
The recent decision by the Federal Government to increase the PTA levy in Federal Unity Colleges has sparked widespread outrage among parents, who view the over 100% increment as an unnecessary financial burden.
In a circular dated March 18, 2025, and signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, the government announced that the PTA levy would rise from N5,700 to N12,000 per term. According to the circular, the increase was approved in response to multiple requests from various PTA bodies seeking additional funding to meet their obligations in schools. The new rate is set to take effect from the third term of the 2024/2025 academic session.
However, many parents have expressed frustration, arguing that the levy hike is simply another way to increase tuition fees in Unity Colleges. This development comes just months after the government raised tuition fees from N45,000 to N100,000, further straining parents already struggling with economic difficulties.
A parent whose daughter attends Federal Government College, Ijanikin, described the increase as unfair, particularly given the country’s current economic challenges. He lamented that families are already burdened by taxes, levies, and rising living costs. He also raised concerns about accountability, questioning whether the increased PTA funds would be properly managed, given past controversies surrounding PTA levy administration in some schools.
Beyond the government-approved levy, parents say students are also subjected to various additional charges. For instance, at King’s College, Lagos, PTA-related fees include an access card (N1,000), diesel/waste disposal (N4,000), education levy (N2,000), feeding support (N2,000), PTA levy (N5,000), and PTA teachers’ wages (N5,700). There are also optional fees, such as laundry (N9,000), barbing (N1,000), and mid-day meals (N15,000).
Amid the backlash, the National Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN) has also voiced concerns about the poor state of facilities in Federal Unity Colleges. The National President of NAPTAN, Alhaji Haruna Danjuma, decried the deteriorating condition of King’s College, Lagos, noting that if such an elite school was in poor shape, other Unity Colleges could be in worse states.
Danjuma stressed that no nation can develop beyond the quality of its education system and called on the government to prioritize improvements in schools. He pointed out that many public schools suffer from overcrowded classrooms, broken furniture, and a shortage of teachers. He also highlighted the role of PTA bodies in hiring teachers, which he described as an unsustainable solution.
Beyond infrastructural challenges, Danjuma also raised concerns about poor feeding conditions in boarding schools and urged the Federal Government to ensure that funds allocated to schools are used judiciously. He further called on state governments to cooperate with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) to improve school facilities through proper funding and partnerships.
As frustration mounts over rising costs and deteriorating learning conditions, parents and stakeholders are demanding that the Federal Government justify the PTA levy increase and take concrete steps to improve the quality of education in Unity Colleges.
