PARENTS in Asaba and other parts of Delta State have expressed worry over the rising cost of summer lessons in private schools, lamenting that the harsh economic climate is making it increasingly difficult to provide extra academic support for their children during the long holiday.
Investigations revealed that several private schools across the state have hiked their fees for summer classes, forcing many parents to withdraw their wards or seek cheaper alternatives. The development has raised fresh concerns about possible increases in tuition fees when the new academic session begins in September.
One parent, Mrs. Ijeoma, whose children attend Graceville College in Asaba, described the situation as disheartening.
“I’m already struggling to pay regular school fees, and now they’ve increased the summer lesson charges. I want my children to benefit from the extra academic support, but the cost is beyond my budget,” she said.
A staff member of Hollywood International, who requested anonymity, admitted that attendance has dropped drastically due to the new fees.
“Parents are saying it’s too expensive. Many are either seeking cheaper alternatives or not enrolling their wards at all,” the source revealed.
However, some school authorities defended the hike, stressing that rising operational costs left them with little choice, stating that the increments were necessary to sustain teaching quality.
“We have to ensure our programmes remain top-notch, and this comes with increased costs, staff salaries, teaching materials, and electricity tariffs,” she explained.
But many parents argue that the timing is insensitive, given the economic realities. They fear that the development could widen the learning gap among pupils who need academic reinforcement the most.
Speaking with Mrs. Juliet in a phone interview in Ughelli echoed the concerns of many parents in her children’s school warned that the rising fees may defeat the very purpose of summer classes.
