As the cost of living continues to climb, Nigerian parents are facing an even steeper challenge: the skyrocketing price of educating their children. A new report has revealed that families now spend an average of ₦33.6 million to educate a single child from primary school through university — a figure that has redefined quality education as a luxury few can afford.
The report, compiled by education analysts and consumer advocacy groups, breaks down expenses over a span of roughly 16 years, including tuition fees, books, uniforms, transportation, technology tools, boarding, and extracurriculars. It covers both private and public sector data, but the majority of the cost is driven by private institutions, which many parents now see as essential due to declining standards in public education.
According to the findings, primary education accounts for up to ₦6 million, while secondary schooling can reach ₦10–15 million, especially in urban private schools. University education, particularly in private or foreign-affiliated institutions, often crosses ₦12 million, with additional costs for accommodation, digital learning tools, and certification exams.
“This figure doesn’t even account for optional foreign exchange programmes or postgraduate studies,” noted Dr. Yemi Adediran, an education economist based in Abuja. “For many middle-class families, the cost of quality education now competes with housing and healthcare as their biggest lifetime investment.”
Parents like Mrs. Esther Olumide, a Lagos-based civil servant, echoed this concern. “We’re not just budgeting for school fees anymore it’s gadgets, online platforms, security levies, and sometimes international exams,” she said. “Education has become a financial marathon.”
In rural and lower-income communities, the gap is even more pronounced. While public schools remain technically free, hidden costs including levies, textbooks, and PTA dues continue to deter access. The result: many families are forced to make difficult trade-offs, often pulling siblings out of school or settling for cheaper alternatives with questionable standards.
Experts warn that the growing cost barrier could worsen Nigeria’s already strained education sector, where UNESCO reports show over 10 million out-of-school children the highest in the world.
To address the crisis, stakeholders are calling for urgent reforms, including increased government funding, regulation of private school fees, and a revival of quality public education. There are also calls for financial institutions to create long-term education savings plans and student loan systems that are accessible to ordinary Nigerians.
Until such interventions take root, the stark reality remains: for many, the dream of giving their child a top-tier education is no longer just about ambition it’s about affordability.
source: businessday.ng
