Parents Abandon Public Schools for Private Education Amid Quality Concerns in Lagos

An increasing number of parents in Lagos are withdrawing their children from public schools and enrolling them in private institutions, citing concerns over the quality of education, teaching standards, and learning outcomes in government-owned schools.

Interviews conducted across several communities including Ikotun, Oshodi, Berger, and Ketu reveal a growing shift toward private education despite the higher financial burden associated with it. Many parents say the decision is driven by their desire to provide a better academic environment and stronger educational support for their children.

Some parents argue that private schools often offer more structured learning systems, smaller class sizes, and closer monitoring of students’ academic progress compared to many public institutions. According to one parent, Mrs. Abimbola, private schools generally provide a more efficient learning environment with better teacher commitment and improved discipline among students.

Others say their decision was influenced by direct experiences with poor academic outcomes in public schools. Mrs. Awolola explained that she transferred her child to a private school after noticing worrying learning gaps. She recalled that her daughter struggled with reading even in Primary Six but later showed significant improvement after switching to a private institution.

Parents also highlighted dedication among teachers as a major factor influencing their choice. Mr. Sunday Farayola noted that many private schools place greater emphasis on ensuring students succeed academically, often providing closer supervision and additional academic support where necessary.

However, the migration toward private education comes at a cost. Several parents acknowledged that private school fees are considerably higher, but they consider the investment worthwhile if it guarantees better educational outcomes for their children.

Education observers warn that the growing preference for private schooling could further widen inequality in access to quality education, particularly for families who cannot afford the rising cost of private institutions. The trend also raises concerns about the need for urgent reforms to improve standards within the public school system.

Analysts note that without sustained investment in infrastructure, teacher training, and academic oversight, public schools risk losing the confidence of parents who increasingly prioritise quality learning environments for their children.