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Falana Slams FG, Lagos Over Illegal N100,000 School Fee Hike
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has strongly criticized the recent school fee hikes implemented by both the Federal Government and the Lagos State Government, labelling the increases as unlawful.
Falana voiced his concerns after the Federal Government raised the fees for Unity Schools from N45,000 to N100,000 per term, marking a steep rise of over 120%.
Similarly, Lagos State announced a new fee of N100,000 per term for its state-owned boarding schools, up from the previous N35,000.
Falana condemned the moves, arguing that they violate the Child’s Rights Law, which guarantees free and compulsory education for every child from primary through junior secondary school.
He emphasized that these fee increases are particularly burdensome for families, especially when compared to the current minimum wage of N70,000.
According to Falana, under this wage structure, a worker earning N70,000 a month would only receive N28,000 in a typical four-month school term, making it impossible to afford the new fees for even one child in a Unity School or any secondary school in Lagos.
He pointed out that the total annual cost for a child attending a Unity School would now be N300,000, an amount far beyond the reach of many Nigerian families.
Falana argued that the imposition of such fees contradicts the provisions outlined in the Child’s Rights Act as well as Lagos State’s Child’s Rights Law.
He highlighted that these laws ensure free education, particularly for children in junior secondary schools, making the imposition of N100,000 fees on such students illegal.
Falana further announced his intention to challenge these fee hikes in court. He asserted that, given the clear mandates in both the federal and state Child’s Rights Laws, the decision to impose these fees would not stand up to legal scrutiny.
He vowed to take the matter to the appropriate High Court to have the increases overturned.
The lawyer’s stance comes as families across Nigeria express growing concerns over the affordability of education amidst the economic challenges facing the country.
Falana’s legal challenge could set a significant precedent for how education costs are regulated in Nigeria, especially in terms of access to affordable schooling for children from less privileged backgrounds.
Many are watching closely to see how the courts will respond to this case, as it could have far-reaching implications for education policy and the rights of Nigerian students.
As the debate over education fees continues, Falana’s efforts to challenge the legality of the hikes are expected to draw attention to the broader issue of educational accessibility in the country.
His firm stance against what he considers an unjust and illegal burden on families underscores the growing call for affordable education for all Nigerian children.
As the world celebrates Blood Donor Day, Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has called on citizens to donate blood and help save lives. Speaking on the 2025 theme, Give blood, Give hope: together we save lives, she said it reflects the powerful message that each donation brings hope to those in urgent need.
World Blood Donor Day was launched by the World Health Organization in 2004 to raise awareness about the importance of safe blood, encourage voluntary donations, and honour those who donate without expecting anything in return.
Marking the day in Abuja, the First Lady participated in the City Marathon Walk from Millennium Park to Eagle Square. She was represented by Hajiya Nana Shettima, wife of the Vice President, who echoed the First Lady’s appeal for more Nigerians to become regular, safe blood donors.
Suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has restated his firm commitment to the rule of law, human rights, and inclusive governance for everyone, no matter their political background. In a message shared on Democracy Day, Fubara said his government remains focused on protecting lives and property while promoting fairness, transparency, and accountability in leadership.
He promised to keep standing for the people of Rivers State and to lead with honesty and openness. Reflecting on 26 years of uninterrupted democracy in Nigeria, the governor called for unity and cooperation across party lines to build a society where every voice counts and every person can contribute meaningfully.
Speaking on the political unrest in Rivers, including his suspension and that of other elected officials, Fubara said these events highlight how fragile democracy can be and why it must be protected at all costs. In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, Fubara acknowledged both the wins and the setbacks in the state’s democratic journey, noting that staying committed to democratic values is more important than ever.
He pointed to his administration’s continued efforts to promote fairness, civil rights, and strong institutions, saying inclusion and openness remain at the heart of everything they do. Despite recent challenges, the governor expressed strong belief in the resilience of Rivers people, urging everyone to stay united and focused. He said the future of the state depends on working together, embracing new ideas, and holding onto shared goals.
Fubara also honoured past leaders who helped shape the country’s democracy, urging citizens to keep their legacy alive by defending the values they stood for. He ended by encouraging the people of Rivers State to stay patriotic, committed, and hopeful, confident that together, the state will come out stronger and more united.
During the 2025 Democracy Day celebration, many Nigerians took to the streets of Lagos to express their frustration over the economic struggles under President Bola Tinubu’s government. The protest, which began at the Ikeja Underbridge, saw citizens calling for a reversal of several government policies they believe are worsening their situation.
Despite a strong security presence, the demonstrators held up signs with messages like “Reverse Electricity Tariff Hike” and “No one deserves a death sentence for protesting against hunger.”
Lagos State Police PRO, Benjamin Hundeyin, acknowledged the protest and assured the public that everything is under control. He said there’s enough security in place for both those celebrating and those protesting, adding that the safety of everyone remains a top priority.
