Dr. Gladys Ajaero, proprietor of Triumph and Peak International Academy, Enugu, has said the rising cost of school fees across Nigeria is a direct result of the current economic hardship and not an attempt by private school owners to exploit parents.

Speaking on Prime Time with Arise Television, Ajaero explained that running a school comes with heavy financial responsibilities.

“As a proprietor, you have to pay teachers, non-academic staff, cleaners, maintain the environment, and settle other bills. All of this is affected by the state of the economy,” she said.

She stressed that parents should consider affordability when choosing schools for their children, noting that quality education is not limited to the most expensive institutions.

“Private schools are businesses, and like every business, there are standards. Some schools charge as much as ₦1 million, some ₦200,000, and others ₦50,000. All can still provide a good education. Parents should go for what they can comfortably afford,” she advised.

Ajaero emphasized that fee increments are simply a reflection of Nigeria’s struggling economy, not an intentional burden placed on parents.