A Nigerian woman, Nenye Uzowulu, has sparked a major online conversation after she took to Facebook to advise parents about the realities of rising school fees in Nigeria. She emphasized that when parents struggle or go into debt to pay tuition, those fees should no longer be considered regular school fees but instead “ransom.”
Her post, which quickly went viral, comes at a time when many families are finding it increasingly difficult to keep up with the rising cost of education, particularly in private schools. Uzowulu urged parents to choose schools that are within their financial means rather than allowing societal pressures or competition to push them into unnecessary hardship.
“Any school fees you struggle to pay is no longer school fees but ransom! Take your kids to where you can afford. Same as HouseRent,” Uzowulu wrote, making a strong point that resonated with many families battling economic challenges in today’s Nigeria.
Why She Gave the Advice
Explaining the reason behind her statement, Uzowulu cited the example of a woman she personally knows who is constantly borrowing money just to meet her children’s tuition payments. According to her, this woman lives in perpetual debt, and her lifestyle has become unsustainable because she cannot balance other responsibilities while servicing loans for school fees.
“I know a woman who is living in debt now. She will always collect loan to pay school fees. Like what kind of mother are you?” she asked, suggesting that true parental responsibility should involve wise decision-making and financial discipline rather than chasing prestige.
Private School Fees Under Scrutiny
Uzowulu’s controversial post comes amid a larger debate in Nigeria about rising tuition fees. Many parents have publicly complained that private schools are becoming unaffordable, while some proprietors argue that the economic reality leaves them with no choice but to increase fees. For instance, Enugu-based school proprietor Gladys Ajaero explained in an interview with Arise TV that tuition hikes are not about exploitation but are driven by rising costs of materials, staff salaries, and utilities.
She stressed that most schools are struggling to stay afloat in the current economy and that fee increments are often necessary to maintain standards. However, parents argue that the hikes are coming at a time when inflation, high living costs, and low incomes are already putting immense pressure on households.
Mixed Reactions Online
Uzowulu’s statement immediately generated heated reactions on social media. While some users praised her for speaking the truth and encouraging parents to live within their means, others criticized her perspective, saying every parent wants the best education for their children—even if it means sacrificing heavily.
Usonwa Chinaemerem Miracle agreed with Uzowulu, writing: “I totally agree. Find a comfortable place that won’t place unnecessary strains and pressure on you and yours and settle there. Again, born as you fit train. Una say make we no dey advice married people but make una dey born the number of kids you can comfortably care for. You can’t have 6 kids when you can’t even feed yourself and 2 kids comfortably. Those kids may end up hating you so much.”
Favorite Cakes n Treats disagreed, countering: “A mother that wants to give her child best education against all odds. You don’t know her educational background, that made her to go to the length of borrowing loan to pay her kids fee.”
Mmaduakor Joseph Faith Ifunanya humorously said: “How I wan take impress people wey no send me.”
Njideka Rejoice commented: “Omo I no fit do pass myself ooo. If I see 10k own self I go put my pikin there.”
Chinwendu Uzoma Cindy shared her experience, stating: “Na y I don run go my papa house. My children dey go where I fit afford. Say I be widow, I no also suppose turn to begger.”
Prince Ikenna Okpata said: “Simple! Most Private schools are business entities; they enable students and pupils thereby contributing to our academic decadence. Public and government schools are still better because nobody has a personal interest. Teachers are just there to deliver and do their job. I went to a government primary and secondary school, and I am academically sound.”
Precious Omuekpen wrote: “Most people can’t even meet up again even when u think it’s cheap. Is getting wesssssser!!”
Niffy collection lamented: “There’s no way you going to see a school in this Lagos that’s not paying ransom… Imagine a crèche paying almost 60k per term…”
Onyinye Loveth reacted: “This is not even a joke!”
Okechukwu Chiamaka added: “True. I think location matters too tho. School aren’t cheap.”
Ijeoma Ethel said: “I concur 00. Huge one.”
Egejuru Harrison Chibueze wrapped it up by noting: “They won’t hear, most of us went to community schools and today we are better in life. There are schools for every parent, don’t hang your konkoso and coset where your hand no reach.”
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