Nigerian schools charge thousands for graduation parties, parents decry extortion

Graduation ceremonies in Nigeria's private schools have transformed from simple prize-giving days into costly events, with parents facing significant financial pressure. Schools are imposing levies for graduation parties, inter-house sports, and end-of-year celebrations, with costs per child often exceeding 20,000 Nigerian naira and reaching over 60,000 naira in some neighborhoods.

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My boy is moving from Nursery to the primary school level, and we paid N35,000 for the graduation party. It was a hell of a time to get a seat at the venue and to be served rice and a bottle of soft drink. They also gave us plastic items as souvenirs, and that was all.

Parents describe these fees as a subtle form of extortion, adding to the financial burden. One parent, whose child attends a private primary school in Lagos, shared that they paid 35,000 naira for a graduation party, which included a meal and a soft drink, with plastic items as souvenirs. The parent expressed dread for the upcoming end-of-year party, noting the pressure from children who don't want to be left out.

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The painful thing is that one has to pay because young ones won’t want to be left behind. They would put pressure on you that their mates have paid and that their teachers are saying they must pay.

While some schools offer more substantial souvenirs, like leather bags valued at around 35,000 naira, the overall sentiment among parents is one of frustration over the escalating costs. The shift from traditional, cost-free events to expensive parties highlights a growing trend of commercialization in private education, where parents feel compelled to pay to avoid their children feeling excluded.

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We paid N55,000 per child, and they gave us food and drinks. After the event, they gave leather bags to our children. The leather bag, which could be used to carry items if one is travelling, was of good quality.