₦airaland Forum

Fee Hike Anger Shuts Down Catholic School in Awka

By Tony Okafor, Awka

A major crisis has hit Aquinas Model Nursery and Primary School, Agu Awka, as furious parents on Tuesday boycotted the resumption of third term over a shocking 43 percent increase in school fees.

The school, managed by St. Thomas Catholic Church, was practically deserted, with classrooms empty and activities grounded as parents and guardians kept their children at home in protest.

The angry parents, most of whom are parishioners of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, stormed the school premises, accusing the newly posted Manager of imposing the hike without consultation.

They described the increment as “unfair, unilateral and exploitative,” demanding the immediate removal of the priest in charge.

Tension escalated as the parents revealed that the fee hike was communicated through letters sent via pupils — a move they called “demeaning and disrespectful.”

According to them, the action bypassed the long-standing tradition where fee decisions are jointly discussed during PTA meetings before a new academic session.

“This is not how things are done here,” one parent fumed. “For over 20 years, the PTA has been part of decision-making. Now, we are completely ignored.”

The situation worsened when the Manager allegedly dismissed their appeal during Mass, reportedly warning that he could “drop his cassock and descend into the gutters” if provoked further.

“He has increased fees twice before, and now again. All he cares about is money,” another parent alleged.

Parents also accused the Manager of sidelining the PTA entirely, claiming no meetings have been held since his return, effectively crippling a body that has supported the school for decades.

They further raised concerns that the fee increase is not aimed at improving learning conditions or staff welfare, but to fund the construction of a secondary school and repay loans tied to the project.

“For eight years, we’ve been asked to contribute to this secondary school, yet it is still at foundation level,” a parent lamented. “Why should our children suffer for it?”

The protesters have now called on the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Paulinus Ezeokafor, to urgently intervene, warning that the school risks total collapse if the situation continues.

“This Manager is running the school aground. If nothing is done, Aquinas Model School may shut down completely,” they warned.

In a twist, the school management has issued a stern warning to parents.
In a notice signed by Rev. Fr. Paschal Nnajiofor, any parent found protesting or inciting others against the fee hike faces sanctions.

The notice also warned that children of parents involved in “violence or gangsterism” would be expelled.

“We are committed to the safety of our pupils and church property. The school environment is sacred and must be respected,” the statement read.

Despite an initial intervention by the parish priest, the aggrieved parents insist they will escalate the matter to the diocesan bishop if their demands are not met.

As the standoff deepens, the future of the once-thriving Catholic school now hangs in the balance.

What in the root of all evil is going on here

It's so sad.
We are in the last days.

Hunger and strife.
Pains. Poverty. Penury. Pestilence.

If the Catholic school is expensive the parent should consider government school.
You can't tell them how to run their business

If this is true then I'm certain diocese will look into it. You can't increase fees like say na your family business in a diocesan elementary school like this.

They should write the Vatican.

NaijaGoBetter2:
The Catholic school is expensive the parent should consider government school.
You can't tell them how to run their business

Most catholic schools are ran by rectors possibly priests and they do whatever they want.

No issue. Parents boycott the school. No one will tell them before they reduce the fee

I remember Emmanuel Secondary School Ugbokolo day with Rev Fr Boniface Idoko

manuelkel:
Most catholic schools are ran by rectors possibly priests and they do whatever they want.

They report to higher ranked priest. The decision is centralised

It's like having investments under the umbrella of religion.

Missionary schools of those days were affordable to all. Now only children of the rich can afford missionary schools.

It's well

TonyRazor:
Fee Hike Anger Shuts Down Catholic School in Awka

By Tony Okafor, Awka

A major crisis has hit Aquinas Model Nursery and Primary School, Agu Awka, as furious parents on Tuesday boycotted the resumption of third term over a shocking 43 percent increase in school fees.

The school, managed by St. Thomas Catholic Church, was practically deserted, with classrooms empty and activities grounded as parents and guardians kept their children at home in protest.

The angry parents, most of whom are parishioners of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, stormed the school premises, accusing the newly posted Manager of imposing the hike without consultation.

They described the increment as “unfair, unilateral and exploitative,” demanding the immediate removal of the priest in charge.

Tension escalated as the parents revealed that the fee hike was communicated through letters sent via pupils — a move they called “demeaning and disrespectful.”

According to them, the action bypassed the long-standing tradition where fee decisions are jointly discussed during PTA meetings before a new academic session.

“This is not how things are done here,” one parent fumed. “For over 20 years, the PTA has been part of decision-making. Now, we are completely ignored.”

The situation worsened when the Manager allegedly dismissed their appeal during Mass, reportedly warning that he could “drop his cassock and descend into the gutters” if provoked further.

“He has increased fees twice before, and now again. All he cares about is money,” another parent alleged.

Parents also accused the Manager of sidelining the PTA entirely, claiming no meetings have been held since his return, effectively crippling a body that has supported the school for decades.

They further raised concerns that the fee increase is not aimed at improving learning conditions or staff welfare, but to fund the construction of a secondary school and repay loans tied to the project.

“For eight years, we’ve been asked to contribute to this secondary school, yet it is still at foundation level,” a parent lamented. “Why should our children suffer for it?”

The protesters have now called on the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Paulinus Ezeokafor, to urgently intervene, warning that the school risks total collapse if the situation continues.

“This Manager is running the school aground. If nothing is done, Aquinas Model School may shut down completely,” they warned.

In a twist, the school management has issued a stern warning to parents.
In a notice signed by Rev. Fr. Paschal Nnajiofor, any parent found protesting or inciting others against the fee hike faces sanctions.

The notice also warned that children of parents involved in “violence or gangsterism” would be expelled.

“We are committed to the safety of our pupils and church property. The school environment is sacred and must be respected,” the statement read.

Despite an initial intervention by the parish priest, the aggrieved parents insist they will escalate the matter to the diocesan bishop if their demands are not met.

As the standoff deepens, the future of the once-thriving Catholic school now hangs in the balance.

na the school wey Dem dey shout up and down for be dis, nawa o

shagasha:
It's like having investments under the umbrella of religion.
Missionary schools of those days were affordable to all. Now only children of the rich can afford missionary schools.
It's well

The cost of maintenance and running those schools have skyrocketed over time, don't blame the school management. Who is responsible for managing the school if not parents via the school fees they pay? If the picture displayed up there is actually the school, you can see why increasing the fees was justified. That picture shows the school is in a deplorable state and needs urgent intervention. Seems like the managers of the school are in a very tight corner.
It's quite unfortunate, but that's the obvious fact.

Peter Obi legacy of incessant increase in school fees

The manager knew that if he brought it up in the PRA meeting, parents would reject it. And even if the agreed, the margin would be reduced.

It is a fact that the cost of education everyday spirals. Catholics schools, just like other missionary schools are like private schools. Parents send their children there because they believe in the standards.

Very good schools charge fees in millions these days. If you want your children in good schools and in good environments, get ready to pay the bills.

Now we must not say that because it is a missionary school, standards should be lowered, or charges not in tandem with economic realities.

Those in boarding schools must be well fed and their health issues attended to speedily. That’s all money. Accusing the manager does not change anything. Reporting to the Bishop will not do much. At the most the manager would be removed. The manager must be a Reverend father, so he knows what is appropriate. If the man is removed and a difficult manager gets introduced, what will they do?

Being parishioners should not be a factor. It is being sentimental. Parents can also choose other private schools and see the difference. In all, there should be an agreement that benefits the children.

E too sure me say Richtaiwo and Seunmsg go put the blame on Peter Obi

ElevationD:
The manager knew that if he brought it up in the PRA meeting, parents would reject it. And even if the agreed, the margin would be reduced.

It is a fact that the cost of education everyday spirals. Catholics schools, just like other missionary schools are like private schools. Parents send their children there because they believe in the standards.

Very good schools charge fees in millions these days. If you want your children in good schools and in good environments, get ready to pay the bills.

Now we must not say that because it is a missionary school, standards should be lowered, or charges not in tandem with economic realities.

Those in boarding schools must be well fed and their health issues attended to speedily. That’s all money. Accusing the manager does not change anything. Reporting to the Bishop will not do much. At the most the manager would be removed. The manager must be a Reverend father, so he knows what is appropriate. If the man is removed and a difficult manager gets introduced, what will they do?

Being parishioners should not be a factor. It is being sentimental. Parents can also choose other private schools and see the difference. In all, there should be an agreement that benefits the children.

missionary schools are to make profits, I agree, but not to the detriment of the fundamentals upon which they were established. Grooming kids for Christ and humanity is the basics.

Church owned institutions are the most heartless and costliest institutions everywhere, schools, hospitals, etc

NaijaGoBetter2:
They report to higher ranked priest. The decision is centralised

They report what they want, except the diocesan committee pays attention and always check them in a reg if not, they do what they like.

Voodoo economics dey touch everyone and everything

Sit down and dialogue ... Listen to the people Padre

Heffalump:
The cost of maintenance and running those schools have skyrocketed over time, don't blame the school management. Who is responsible for managing the school if not parents via the school fees they pay? If the picture displayed up there is actually the school, you can see why increasing the fees was justified. That picture shows the school is in a deplorable state and needs urgent intervention. Seems like the managers of the school are in a very tight corner.
It's quite unfortunate, but that's the obvious fact.

Did you people read the entire Thing? The fee increment wasn't for the school upgrade but to fund the building of a new school which has been in foundation level for 8 years and also to service the loans taken for the building of the uncomplicated school.
No reasonable parent would buy that nonsense, I will pull my child out of that school and remove myself from the church completely.

Catholic schools are generally very expenses, but they always give sand and quantity education.

GeneralOuki:
Did you people read the entire Thing? The fee increment wasn't for the school upgrade but to fund the building of a new school which has been in foundation level for 8 years and also to service the loans taken for the building of the uncomplicated school.
No reasonable parent would buy that nonsense, I will pull my child out of that school and remove myself from the church completely.

but you didn't pull your daughter away from Redeemed university o. Did you?

The thing is that some people milk the school in the name of PTA even when their children are not students there, They want all contracts to be given to them and when it is not done, they protest. Let the school authority ensure that no one without a child in the school currently is the EXCO of the PTA.

If the school fees is too much for you, look for another school.

ElevationD:
The manager knew that if he brought it up in the PRA meeting, parents would reject it. And even if the agreed, the margin would be reduced.

It is a fact that the cost of education everyday spirals. Catholics schools, just like other missionary schools are like private schools. Parents send their children there because they believe in the standards.

Very good schools charge fees in millions these days. If you want your children in good schools and in good environments, get ready to pay the bills.

Now we must not say that because it is a missionary school, standards should be lowered, or charges not in tandem with economic realities.

Those in boarding schools must be well fed and their health issues attended to speedily. That’s all money. Accusing the manager does not change anything. Reporting to the Bishop will not do much. At the most the manager would be removed. The manager must be a Reverend father, so he knows what is appropriate. If the man is removed and a difficult manager gets introduced, what will they do?

Being parishioners should not be a factor. It is being sentimental. Parents can also choose other private schools and see the difference. In all, there should be an agreement that benefits the children.

Omo! A lot of people read this without even comprehending what they read.
The hike was not for the advancement of the school infrastructure neither was it for administrative purposes, rather it's for loan servicing and financing of an ongoing building project which the parents have previously demoted for in the past.

Besides, there's an existing procedure ( PTA meetings) which has been by passed which is an insult to the parents. This is like the president passing a law or budget without going through the national assembly.

You have to be a lawless and anyhow kind of person to support what this manager is doing here. Nigerians we like to scream " respect the rule of law" but when we're put in position of power we discard the rule of law immediately and start imposing every kind of nonsense on the people.

NaijaGoBetter2:
If the Catholic school is expensive the parent should consider government school.
You can't tell them how to run their business

I don't understand what you are saying. The best place of hope and hospitality for a common man is the church and any business or institution run by the church should not be profit driven left alone for profiteering. Moreso, this is an inordinate action exhibited by the Priest he should have rally round and not drop the long standing tradition of involving parents in the decision making of the school. Apparently, the most provoking aspect of this, is hiking the fee by 43% do the maths this is even after increments twice in a roll. Conclusively, most children in that school are Catholics and Christians so what is the logic that money gotten from their offerings, contributions and tithes are used for building an institution they can't pay or afford that is not only ridiculous but outrageous!

enemyofprogress:
but you didn't pull your daughter away from Redeemed university o. Did you?

Did I tell you that my daughter is Schooling at redeem university?

GeneralOuki:
Did I tell you that my daughter is Schooling at redeem university?

you didn't told me, but I used to see her there.

Mandate1:
missionary schools are to make profits, I agree, but not to the detriment of the fundamentals upon which they were established. Grooming kids for Christ and humanity is the basics.

If the intention is to groom kids for Christ, the church is there. The school is the to provide the necessary education that children require to live their lives, just like their parents before them.

Humanity requires the church to play its role, just as the school. We are told always that schools are not charity organizations, that’s why scholarships are granted to disadvantaged children.

If bills are not paid, the very foundation of education in the lives of the children is taken away. A simple look at the images displayed, shows the dilapidated condition of the school building. While we accuse the government of not providing the necessary environment for education to thrive, we must not be enablers of the failure of the private operators to perform. Now states have started building smart schools. They certainly will not come very cheap. Government will make money out of the schools.

We must ensure that our children get the best school environment to thrive and make success of their own lives. Painful as the economy may presently be, the reality is that schools will always consider the economic realities when they charge their fees.

enemyofprogress:
you didn't told me, but I used to see her there.

I don't even have a daughter yet

Heffalump:
The cost of maintenance and running those schools have skyrocketed over time, don't blame the school management. Who is responsible for managing the school if not parents via the school fees they pay? If the picture displayed up there is actually the school, you can see why increasing the fees was justified. That picture shows the school is in a deplorable state and needs urgent intervention. Seems like the managers of the school are in a very tight corner.
It's quite unfortunate, but that's the obvious fact.

It is obvious that you're not listening to the parents' explanation that incessant increment of school fees are not going to the development/upgrade of the school facilities and staff welfare but for the construction of secondary school and loans repayment. This is the third increment in a row. And who increases school fee during the second term?
My kids former school did the same thing, increased the school fee at the beginning of second term. I withdrew my kids from that school once the session ended. Dubious people everywhere. They normally do that in order to make the decision to withdraw your kids costly, difficult and inconvenient