Education in Nigeria is often described as the key to a better future, a pathway to economic mobility, and a tool for national development. Yet, for many Nigerian families, this key comes at a cost that is increasingly out of reach. From primary to tertiary education, the financial burden on parents and students continues to grow, raising important questions about accessibility, affordability, and the quality of education itself.
Despite constitutional provisions that make basic education free and compulsory, the reality on the ground tells a different story. Public schools, which are meant to provide affordable education, suffer from chronic underfunding, leaving parents to bear the hidden costs of learning materials, uniforms, and even unofficial levies. Meanwhile, private schools, known for better infrastructure and teaching quality, remain a luxury only the financially privileged can afford. At the university level, rising tuition fees, the introduction of student loans, and the struggle to balance affordability with quality education create a complex dilemma for the Nigerian education system.
Primary and Secondary Education: Free but Costly
The Universal Basic Education (UBE) programme was introduced in Nigeria to provide free and compulsory education for all children from primary to junior secondary school. While the policy sounds promising on paper, the practical implementation tells a different story. Public schools across the country suffer from severe infrastructural decay, overcrowded classrooms, and a shortage of qualified teachers. As a result, parents who seek better learning environments for their children are forced to look elsewhere.
Private schools, seen as a viable alternative, come with a hefty price tag. In urban centres like Lagos and Abuja, tuition fees in reputable private primary schools range from ₦100,000 to over ₦1,000,000 per term, depending on the school’s prestige and facilities. Even in smaller towns, private education remains costly, making it inaccessible to the lower-income population.
Beyond tuition, parents of children in both public and private schools must contend with the cost of uniforms, textbooks, transportation, feeding, and extracurricular activities. The financial burden of primary and secondary education often leaves families struggling, with many resorting to loans or multiple income sources just to keep their children in school.
Tertiary Education: The Price of Higher Learning
The cost of higher education in Nigeria has been a growing concern, particularly in public universities that were once considered the most affordable option. Federal and state universities charge varying fees, with public universities charging between ₦30,000 and ₦200,000 per session, depending on the institution and course of study. However, these figures do not capture the full financial strain.
Students in public universities face the additional costs of accommodation, textbooks, departmental fees, and living expenses. Given the frequent strikes by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), which disrupt academic calendars and prolong the years spent in school, students often spend more money than initially planned.
Private universities, offering uninterrupted academic sessions and better facilities, present an entirely different financial challenge. Tuition fees in private institutions range from ₦500,000 to over ₦3 million per year, depending on the school. For middle-class families, this cost is a heavy burden, while for low-income earners, it remains an impossible dream.
The introduction of student loans in Nigeria was meant to ease the financial stress on university students. However, concerns remain over the sustainability of the scheme, repayment conditions, and its accessibility to students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Without proper implementation, student loans could create a new generation of debt-laden graduates rather than solving the issue of affordability.
The Impact of Expensive Education
The rising cost of education in Nigeria has far-reaching consequences, affecting individuals, families, and the nation at large. One of the most glaring effects is the increasing number of out-of-school children. According to UNICEF, Nigeria has the highest number of out-of-school children in the world, with over 18.5 million children not receiving formal education. Many of these children are from low-income families who simply cannot afford to send them to school.
Even for those who manage to enrol, financial instability often forces them to drop out before completing their studies. University students, in particular, are vulnerable to financial difficulties, with some taking up menial jobs to support themselves, while others are forced to abandon their education entirely.
Another major impact of expensive education is the brain drain phenomenon. Many talented Nigerian students seek scholarships or opportunities to study abroad due to the high cost and instability of local universities. Countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States have seen an influx of Nigerian students in recent years, leading to a loss of intellectual capital that could have contributed to Nigeria’s development.
The economic divide in education also reinforces social inequality. While the wealthy can afford the best schools and, consequently, the best opportunities, children from low-income backgrounds are left struggling in underfunded schools with limited prospects. This gap in access to quality education perpetuates a cycle of poverty, making upward social mobility difficult for the underprivileged.
Solutions: Bridging the Gap
Addressing the rising cost of education in Nigeria requires a multi-faceted approach involving government intervention, private sector participation, and community-driven initiatives. Firstly, increased government funding for public education is crucial. Budgetary allocations to the education sector have consistently fallen below UNESCO’s recommended 15–20% of national budgets. In 2023, only 8.2% of Nigeria’s budget was allocated to education, far below what is needed to improve infrastructure, train teachers, and provide essential learning materials. A substantial increase in education funding would enhance the quality of public schools, reducing the need for private alternatives.
Secondly, the regulation of school fees, particularly in private institutions, could help control the arbitrary hike in tuition. While private schools operate as businesses, some form of regulation could ensure that fees remain within reasonable limits, making them more accessible to the middle class.
Additionally, the newly introduced student loan scheme needs proper execution and favourable repayment conditions. Unlike in developed countries where student loans come with low interest rates and flexible payment plans, Nigeria’s system must be designed to ensure graduates are not burdened with unrealistic debts before they secure stable employment.
Beyond government intervention, community and corporate involvement can play a role in reducing the cost of education. Organisations can invest in educational sponsorships, school infrastructure, and mentorship programmes that provide financial and academic support to students in need.
Education in Nigeria is fast becoming a privilege rather than a right, with costs skyrocketing beyond the reach of the average citizen. While policies exist to promote free and compulsory learning, the reality is that financial constraints remain a significant barrier for millions of Nigerians. If Nigeria is to develop into a truly knowledge-driven economy, urgent steps must be taken to make education more accessible and affordable.
