Parents Express Outrage as FG Raises PTA Levy in Unity Colleges

The Federal Government’s decision to increase the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) levy in unity colleges has sparked widespread anger among parents, who have criticized the hike as excessive and unfair.

In a circular dated March 18, 2025, and signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, the government announced that the levy would rise from N5,700 to N12,000 per term. According to the circular, the increase was approved following requests from various PTA bodies seeking additional funds to fulfill their obligations in federal unity colleges. The new levy is set to take effect from the third term of the 2024/2025 academic session.

However, many parents have condemned the move, describing it as a disguised increase in school fees. Just months ago, the government raised tuition fees in unity colleges from N45,000 to N100,000, and this latest hike has further strained household budgets.

A concerned parent whose child attends Federal Government College, Ijanikin, voiced frustration over the development, arguing that the timing was insensitive given the current economic challenges. “People are already struggling with multiple taxes and levies, and now this. In many unity colleges, PTA levies have led to controversies, with past mismanagement cases even resulting in court battles. How can we be sure this additional money will be properly used?” said Babatunde, who preferred not to disclose his full name.

Beyond the newly approved levy, many unity colleges also impose extra charges on parents. At King’s College, Lagos, for instance, the PTA levy breakdown includes payments for access cards, diesel and waste disposal, education support, feeding, and teachers’ wages. Additional optional levies cover services such as laundry, barbing, and mid-day meals, further increasing the financial burden on parents.

The National Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN) has also expressed concern over the state of infrastructure and services in unity colleges. National President Alhaji Haruna Danjuma criticized the poor condition of these schools, warning that if an elite school like King’s College is struggling, the situation in other unity colleges must be far worse.

“We have repeatedly urged the government to invest more in education. The state of public schools is appalling, with overcrowded classrooms, broken furniture, and a shortage of teachers. In many cases, PTAs are forced to hire teachers to fill gaps in staffing,” Danjuma stated. He also raised concerns about the quality of food served to students in hostels and called for better collaboration between state governments and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) to improve funding and infrastructure.

Danjuma further urged school administrators to ensure transparency in the use of funds allocated to unity colleges, emphasizing the need for accountability in the management of PTA levies and other financial resources.