The Federal Government’s recent decision to hike the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) levy in Federal Unity Colleges has sparked outrage among parents, who have described the move as an unjustifiable financial burden amid an already strained economy.
In a circular dated March 18, 2025, signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, the government announced a significant increase in the PTA levy from ₦5,700 to ₦12,000 per term. The circular, addressed to principals of Federal Unity Colleges (FUCs), stated: “Following the receipt of multiple requests from various PTA bodies in FUCs seeking an increase in the PTA levy to enable them fulfil 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.”
According to BusinessDay, parents across the country have expressed shock and disappointment over the development, arguing that it amounts to a covert increase in school fees. This comes on the heels of another fee hike just months ago, when tuition was raised from ₦45,000 to ₦100,000 per term.
“This is uncalled for. Not at this point in time,” said Babatunde, a parent whose daughter attends Federal Government College, Ijanikin, Lagos. “People are already burdened by taxes, levies, and other payments to the government, and the economic crunch is weighing heavily on households. In many unity colleges, the administration of the PTA levy has been controversial. Recently, the manner in which the levy was managed here led to court cases and media discourse. How can we trust that funds generated through this new rate will be properly managed? Some principals are exploiting the system by colluding with PTA leaders.”
In addition to the newly approved levy, many colleges impose additional sundry charges on students. For instance, at King’s College, Lagos, parents are required to pay an array of fees, including an access card fee (₦1,000), diesel/waste fee (₦4,000), education levy (₦2,000), feeding support (₦2,000), PTA levy (₦5,000), and PTA teachers’ wages (₦5,700). Optional charges include laundry (₦9,000), barbing (₦1,000), and mid-day meals (₦15,000).
The National Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN) has also condemned the state of infrastructure in Federal Unity Colleges, urging the government to prioritise investment in the education sector.
Speaking with this paper, NAPTAN’s National President, Alhaji Haruna Danjuma, lamented the deplorable conditions in some of the schools. “If King’s College, an elite institution among Unity Colleges, can be in such a bad state, one can only imagine the situation in other colleges,” he said. “No nation can develop beyond the level of its education system. If Unity Colleges, which are supposed to be special institutions, are in this condition, what do we expect from other public schools?”
Danjuma highlighted overcrowded classrooms, broken furniture, and insufficient teaching staff as major challenges. “In many cases, PTAs have had to hire teachers to fill gaps. The welfare of both students and teachers is being compromised. We appreciate some efforts by the government, but more needs to be done. The food served to students in hostels is inadequate, and we urge state governments to collaborate with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) in funding projects and providing counterpart funding.”
He further called on school administrators to ensure judicious use of allocated funds, emphasising transparency and accountability.
Meanwhile, the government maintains that the increased levy is necessary to meet operational demands in the colleges. However, parents remain skeptical, questioning whether the funds will translate into tangible improvements or merely add to the financial strain on households.
