In previous years, parents commonly placed their young children aged one to three in informal day care facilities known locally as “Jeleosimi” centers. These establishments, whose Yoruba name translates to “let the household have peace,” provided basic care and minimal instruction for modest fees until early afternoon.
Only families with substantial means traditionally opted for formal schools offering structured creche and day care programs. Over time, however, both affluent and middle-income households began enrolling their children in private primary schools, with some viewing this as a status symbol.
Current economic pressures are now reversing this trend. Parents facing reduced purchasing power have begun withdrawing children from expensive private institutions and returning them to informal day care arrangements as tuition costs surge beyond reach.
Families with multiple children in the toddler age bracket face particular hardship. Private schools have raised enrollment fees for pre-kindergarten and kindergarten classes dramatically, with charges ranging from N200,000 to over N900,000.
Mrs. Chizoba Darlington, who sells soup ingredients, explained her decision to move her two-year-old to a neighborhood center charging N20,000 per term. She questioned the value proposition of formal schooling for such young children and expressed frustration at what she considers excessive pricing.
“I had planned to keep my son home until age three before starting school,” she said. “Things are expensive, but these increases seem unreasonable for a one-year-old.”
Mr. Olorunfemi Bamikale, employed as a company bus driver, withdrew his three-year-old twins after receiving a fee schedule totaling N859,700 from a school. He noted the sum could purchase land and questioned how institutions justify charging over N400,000 per child for kindergarten enrollment.
“Even staff at these schools rarely earn N100,000 monthly,” he observed. He plans to transfer his children to public schools when they reach appropriate age while keeping them in informal lessons temporarily.
Fee structures at private institutions typically include form charges, tuition, textbooks, sports levies, uniforms, development fees, and health trust contributions, with costs varying by school standards.
Mrs. Aduramigba Okunbor, a private school teacher, defended the pricing structure. She noted many parents are indeed moving children to public schools, particularly those in basic four and five classes.
“Schools must maintain government-approved standards, which requires financial investment,” she explained. “These costs get reflected in fees needed to create proper learning environments and support children’s academic development.”
The shift represents a significant change in educational patterns as economic realities force families to reconsider expensive private schooling options for their youngest children.
