- Sharp Fee Hikes and Economic Strain Dampen Festive Celebrations Across Schools
The rising cost of living has cast a shadow over the once-anticipated end-of-year parties in primary and secondary schools, with many parents opting out due to sharp increases in party fees.
Traditionally a celebration of academic and extracurricular milestones, these events are now out of reach for many families juggling holiday expenses, school fees, and other financial obligations.
What was once a modest fee for snacks, drinks, and gifts has reportedly skyrocketed in several schools. In some cases, fees have more than doubled, leaving parents with difficult choices.
Mrs. Folakemi Ifaleke, a banker and mother of three, expressed frustration:
“How can you increase the fee from ₦5,000 to ₦15,000 per child? I simply couldn’t afford ₦45,000 for a party. I gave my children a choice between the party and Christmas clothes—they gladly chose the latter.”
For families with multiple children, the cost burden is even steeper. Mr. Jerry Nwokoma, a motor parts trader with four children, recounted his dilemma:
“In my children’s school, the fee was ₦20,000 each for primary students and ₦25,000 for secondary students. Altogether, that’s ₦90,000. I told my wife we couldn’t justify such an expense when only 10 children in a school of over 100 had paid.”
The trend is not limited to parents’ financial struggles. Schools themselves are feeling the pinch. Some have opted to scale down celebrations to avoid alienating parents. Mrs. Chisom Akpota, a teacher, shared how her school adjusted:
“We cut the fee to ₦3,000 from ₦5,000 last year, yet only 20 out of 70 pupils paid. We provided snacks, soft drinks, and small gift items, and held a simple assembly celebration instead.”
Others, like proprietress Mrs. Omosefunmi Grace, argue that fee increases are unavoidable due to inflation. However, she acknowledged the difficult position schools face:
“Parents want quality, but when fees are raised, they complain. Even so, we held our party despite low turnout because it’s important to celebrate the children.”
The declining participation in school parties reflects broader economic hardships, with parents prioritizing essentials over non-critical expenses. For many families, the end-of-year celebration has shifted from extravagant parties to quiet moments at home.
