Tutorial centres in Lagos are excellent choices for students seeking academic support and success. They provide a conducive environment for learning and offer various extracurricular activities to help students develop, holistically. With highly qualified teachers and modern teaching facilities, tutorial centres in Lagos are sure to help students achieve their academic goals. In Lagos, tutorial centres cater to students preparing for various examinations such as WAEC, NECO, JAMB, and post-UTME, among others. They also offer to coach for international examinations such as SAT, IELTS, TOEFL, Checkpoint and Cambridge English. These tutorial centres employ qualified and experienced teachers who are dedicated to helping their students succeed.
However, as the curtains rise on this year’s Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) preparations in the southwest region of Nigeria, a palpable air of concern blankets students grappling with the surge in tutorial fees. Edugist reporter, delving into the issue, discovered that tutorial centres in the Lagos metropolis have increased their fees, presenting a financial hurdle for many students.
Reports reveal a significant increase, with tutorial fees now ranging from #8,000 to #10,000 per month. The surge is attributed to the prevailing financial and economic challenges in the country, compounded by the persistent rise in the cost of goods and services. Students, particularly those from low-income households, are left navigating a landscape where affordability becomes a decisive factor in choosing a tutorial centre.
During a visit to the Anchor Academy, in Mushin, TKC Ilupeju, Pholex Tutorial Yaba, Dee Excellent Tutorial, Ilupeju, the Dean of Studies at De Anchor Academy acknowledged the uniform rise in lesson fees across the region.
He pointed to economic challenges as the driving force behind the decision, emphasizing the need for a fee increase to cope with the rising costs. “Everyone has increased their lesson fees, and you know this time the economy is not favourable,” he stated, suggesting a fee of #8,000 as a tentative compromise.
Festus, another tutorial owner, expressed caution, raising concerns that the fee increase might deter students from attending tutorials altogether, as they may opt for self-study. This perspective highlights the unintended consequences that such fee hikes may bring, potentially leading to a shift in study behaviours among students.
Speaking with a student who recently enrolled, she lamented her journey from one tutorial centre to another searching for affordability. “I have been going from one place to another because I cannot afford the money they are currently charging; my mum is a widow, and I am the one paying my lesson fee,” she shared. The financial strain on families, particularly those headed by widows, is underscored by the challenges students face in accessing affordable education.
Concerns about the potential fallout from the fee hike are further highlighted as the student predicted a significant number of peers being forced to stay home due to financial constraints. The widening gap in access to education threatens to leave many students on the sidelines, unable to participate in vital exam preparations.
Sesan, an owner of another tutorial centre, voiced his struggles, attributing the fee increase to the rising costs of rent and other operational expenses. “We are paying more than we used to pay as rent to make use of this place,” he explained. The ripple effect of increased operational expenses is felt throughout the tutorial industry, compelling owners to pass on the burden to students.
Adeola from Tops Tutorial acknowledged the necessity of fee increments but appealed for considerate measures, recognizing the economic challenges faced by students. Meanwhile, Bode from Genius Tutorial called for understanding from teachers and administrators, urging them to empathize with the financial burdens on students during these challenging times.
Sekinat, contemplating delaying her tutorial sessions until next year due to financial constraints, reflects the impact of the fee increase on individual decisions. “I am already thinking of waiting until next year because of the expenses,” she shared. This sentiment underscores the dilemma faced by students who find themselves at the crossroads of academic pursuits and financial limitations.
Rhoda from Ikeja echoed these sentiments, expressing the sentiment of being trapped with no apparent way out amidst the continuous increase in the cost of living. The rising expenses, she fears, may force many students to reconsider their educational paths, contributing to a potential decline in participation in tutorial classes.
As the tutorial fee dilemma continues to unfold, the spotlight remains on the delicate balance between sustaining tutorial centres and ensuring accessibility to education, particularly for those facing economic hardship.
The outcome of this situation may shape the educational landscape for many students in the southwest region, as they navigate the intricate intersection of economic challenges and the pursuit of academic excellence.
