The Federal Government’s decision to more than double the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) levy in its unity colleges has sparked widespread anger among parents, who are decrying the significant increase as an unfair financial burden.
A circular issued by the Federal Ministry of Education on March 18, 2025, and signed by Permanent Secretary Dr. Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, announced that the PTA levy would rise from N5,700 to N12,000 per term. The circular, addressed to all Principals of Federal Unity Colleges, noted that the increase followed multiple requests from PTA bodies across the colleges, seeking additional funds to fulfill their obligations.
The circular stated: “Following the receipt of multiple requests from various PTA bodies in Federal Unity Colleges (FUCs) seeking an increase in the PTA levy to enable them to fulfill their obligations within the colleges, the Ministry has approved a revised PTA levy. The new levy will take effect from the third term of the 2024/2025 academic session.”
However, parents have expressed their displeasure over the hike, calling it a thinly veiled attempt to increase tuition fees. This comes on the heels of a previous tuition hike earlier this year, which saw fees rise from N45,000 to N100,000.
One parent, whose daughter attends Federal Government College, Ijanikin, questioned the timing of the increase, citing the economic challenges faced by many families. “This is uncalled for. People are already burdened by taxes, levies, and other payments to the government in many ways, and the economic crunch is weighing down on people heavily,” the parent said. “In many unity colleges, the administration of the PTA levy has caused friction, with some PTA executives even facing legal battles over mismanagement.”
Beyond the government-approved levy, many colleges impose additional charges. For example, at King’s College, Lagos, parents pay various fees including N1,000 for access cards, N4,000 for diesel/waste, N2,000 for education, N2,000 for feeding support, and a PTA levy of N5,000, among others. Optional charges include N9,000 for laundry, N1,000 for barbing, and N15,000 for mid-day meals.
The National Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN) has also voiced concerns about the state of facilities in Unity Colleges. NAPTAN President, Alhaji Haruna Danjuma, criticized the poor conditions at some of the colleges, particularly King’s College, which he described as “an elite school” but still facing significant challenges. “If Unity Colleges, which are considered special schools, are in such deplorable states, what does that say about other schools?” Danjuma asked.
He emphasized the dire need for improvements across the education sector, including better facilities, adequate teaching staff, and better quality food for students in hostels. “We are appealing to the government to pay adequate attention to the education sector,” Danjuma added. “We appreciate some steps being taken, but more efforts must be made to make things better. The PTA has had to fill gaps by hiring teachers in many instances.”
Danjuma also urged the management of the colleges to use allocated funds judiciously to improve conditions and ensure that the increased PTA levies are spent responsibly.
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