Concerned parents of pupils in Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Welfare Primary Schools have appealed to the Federal Government and the Nigerian Air Force authorities to reverse the recent increase in tuition fees, describing the development as excessive and insensitive to the prevailing economic challenges facing many families.

The appeal was contained in a statement issued by the spokesperson for the concerned parents, Mr. Saheed Akande, and made available to journalists.

Akande said tuition fees were increased from ₦46,875 to ₦134,000 per term, representing an increase of about 186 per cent. He argued that the hike would place an unbearable financial burden on many households already struggling with rising living costs.

According to him, the increase comes at a time when families are contending with higher fuel, food, transportation and housing expenses, while incomes have remained largely unchanged.

“No salary or business income has increased at the same rate. Many civilian parents may be forced to withdraw their children from the schools if the increase is allowed to stand,” he said.

He noted that the latest review was the second fee increase within four years, recalling that tuition rose from ₦23,437.50 in 2023 to ₦46,875 in 2024 before the latest adjustment to ₦134,000 per term.

Describing the increase as untimely, unreasonable and unsustainable, Akande stressed that education requires long-term financial planning and predictable school fees.

He urged the Nigerian Air Force and the Federal Government to rescind the decision and engage parents and other stakeholders before implementing future fee reviews.

Also speaking, Mrs. Ifedolapo Balogun, a parent with two children at the Nigerian Air Force Primary School, Ibadan, acknowledged the quality of education provided by the institution but appealed for a downward review of the fees.

“I commend the Nigerian Air Force for providing quality education, but the increase in tuition from ₦46,875 to ₦134,000 per child is too much for parents to bear under the current economic situation,” she said.

Balogun explained that paying ₦268,000 per term for two children, excluding other school-related expenses, had become a significant financial burden on her family.

She appealed to the Federal Government and the Air Force authorities to reconsider the increase, saying many parents were only seeking a more affordable fee structure that would allow their children to remain in school.

“We are only pleading that the authorities review the fees downward so that our children can continue to enjoy quality education without placing unbearable pressure on their parents,” she added.

Meanwhile, the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) of the Nigerian Air Force Primary School, Alakia, Ibadan, said it was equally surprised by the increase but was engaging relevant authorities in search of a compromise.

PTA Chairman, Mr. Olufemi Akinbiyi, urged parents to remain calm, expressing confidence that the Federal Government and school authorities would address their concerns.

Akinbiyi described the increase from about ₦44,000 to ₦134,000 per pupil as excessive, particularly in light of current economic realities.

He said many parents immediately contacted the PTA after receiving the new school bills, raising concerns about their ability to meet the financial obligations.

“Some parents have two or three children in the school. Paying ₦134,000 per child amounts to over ₦300,000 in tuition alone, excluding other charges,” he said.

According to him, the tuition fee is separate from other mandatory payments, including PTA levies, club fees and school uniforms.

While acknowledging the need for periodic fee reviews, Akinbiyi maintained that any increase should be gradual and implemented only after adequate consultation with stakeholders.

“They are appealing to the Air Force authorities to review the new tuition downward because parents were not carried along before the decision was taken,” he said.

The PTA chairman also appealed to President Bola Tinubu, the National Assembly and other relevant government agencies to intervene and facilitate a review of the fees.

He recalled that public outcry had previously resulted in the review of increased examination fees and expressed optimism that authorities would respond positively to parents’ concerns.

Akinbiyi disclosed that the tuition adjustment affects all 17 Nigerian Air Force primary schools across the country, warning that the sharp increase could discourage civilian enrolment in the schools.

He urged the authorities to reconsider the decision in the interest of parents, pupils and the continued accessibility of quality education.