At the heart of the grievances are allegations ranging from admission racketeering to the imposition of unapproved levies and overall lack of transparency in the management of PTA funds. In some of the most sought-after institutions—like King’s College, Queen’s College, Federal Science and Technical College, and Federal Government College, Ijanikin—all in Lagos State—parents say the situation has reached breaking point.
Admission for Sale?
A growing number of parents have claimed they were forced to pay exorbitant sums—up to N600,000—to secure admission for their children, even when the students met the official criteria. This practice, they allege, is fast becoming a norm in some Unity Schools, casting doubt on the integrity of the federal admission process.
“This current principal is the worst we’ve had. Parents who met the admission requirements were still asked to pay hundreds of thousands just to be offered a place,” one parent lamented.
Such practices not only defeat the essence of merit-based access to education but also put underprivileged families at a grave disadvantage, thereby undermining the foundational goal of unity colleges: to foster inclusion, diversity, and national integration.
Unapproved Levies and PTA Tensions
In addition to concerns about admissions, parents are raising red flags over unapproved financial demands disguised as PTA contributions. A religious levy, once optional, has allegedly been made mandatory in certain schools, despite objections from parents.
“You now have to pay N1,000 per term as a religion fee,” said one parent. “It used to be voluntary. Many of us are not comfortable with it, but we are being forced to comply.”
Visiting days are also proving to be financial minefields. Some parents say they are coerced into buying everyday items such as brooms, fans, and toiletries—expenses they believe should be covered by school authorities. To mitigate costs, some parents have reportedly formed visit rotations, nominating a representative to visit students on behalf of multiple families.
Petition to the Education Minister
In a significant development, concerned parents of students at Queen’s College have petitioned the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, calling for urgent intervention. The petition cites the imposition of illegal levies, with PTA fees reportedly raised to N21,500 per term—far above the government-sanctioned maximum of N12,000.
According to the petition, Queen’s College not only disregards federal guidelines but also operates in a manner that makes it feel more like a private institution than a government-funded school.
The letter accuses the PTA of unchecked autonomy, claiming that parents are even responsible for paying the salaries of PTA-hired teachers, who now outnumber federal staff.
PTA Chairman Responds
In response to the outcry, Queen’s College PTA Chairman, Oluwayomi Ojo, attempted to explain the necessity of the additional levies. He defended the PTA’s decision, citing poor infrastructure, inadequate federal funding, and the need to improve student welfare.
Ojo admitted that the PTA has relied on bank loans to pay staff salaries and argued that the extra charges were meant to provide essential services like running water, functional dormitory fans, and improved sanitation.
He also announced minor concessions, such as introducing sibling discounts and removing some controversial charges. Still, he acknowledged the frustrations of parents and called for understanding.
Similar Scenarios in Other Unity Colleges
The unrest is not limited to Queen’s College. At King’s College, parents are reportedly burdened with various "compulsory" charges in addition to the official PTA levy—covering diesel, teachers' wages, and even international language classes. Optional services such as laundry and barbing are also monetized, further increasing the financial load on families.
At the Federal Science and Technical College in Yaba, a planned PTA levy increase sparked resistance among parents who criticized the school management and PTA executives for a lack of transparency.
In a more extreme case, parents at the Federal Government College, Ijanikin, took internal PTA squabbles to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The controversy, involving allegations of mismanagement of N40 million, led to student suspensions and an ongoing legal battle. Despite leadership changes within the PTA, mistrust remains over how funds are used.
Payment Platforms and Lack of Clarity
Another issue drawing concern is the sudden shift in payment platforms—from Remita to Flutterwave—raising questions about potential hidden charges. Some parents complain that the new system incurs additional fees, and they’re left wondering why such a decision was made without broader consultation.
For many, the irony is painful: in some Unity Schools, PTA levies now exceed actual school fees, making them feel more like dues to an elite club than contributions to a public school system.
Government Reacts
In a recent interaction with journalists, Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa criticized the increasing overreach of PTAs, asserting that they were never meant to function as administrative arms of schools.
He acknowledged the critical role they’ve played in filling gaps but stressed that their current power dynamics are unsustainable. “They now run a parallel organization in schools. It is not acceptable,” he stated.
Dr. Alausa revealed ongoing efforts to assess the situation nationwide, including a NEEDS assessment to evaluate PTA-employed teachers and explore the possibility of absorbing qualified ones into the federal civil service. The government, he said, is committed to rehabilitating Unity Schools, with N40 billion approved for infrastructure upgrades and an additional N40 billion earmarked for security and solar energy projects.
A System Under Strain
What was once a proud legacy of national integration and academic excellence is now facing reputational and operational strain. The mismanagement of PTA roles, coupled with corruption and inadequate federal oversight, is threatening to derail the Unity College model.
While the government promises reforms, parents are demanding transparency, equity, and respect for federal policies. Until then, Unity Schools may continue to drift further from their founding ideals.