After facing public criticism for its reported annual school fees of N42 million per primary school student and a non-refundable registration fee of N2 million, the newly opened Charterhouse, a British private school in Lagos, responded to the uproar. Many members of the public deemed the fees exorbitant and unsuitable for a country like Nigeria, where a significant portion of the population lives in poverty and the minimum wage is only N30,000 per month.
While some criticized the fees on social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter), others argued that enrolling children in the school is optional. However, the school’s management claimed to be unaware of the public outcry, stating that parents interested in providing their children with a top-tier education at Charterhouse have not expressed concerns about the fees.
In an exclusive interview with Tribune Online, Mr. Damilola Olatunbosun, the school’s Director of Communications, Admissions, and Marketing, defended the high fees, emphasizing Charterhouse’s status as a prestigious and globally recognized educational institution. Olatunbosun highlighted the quality of education and value offered by the school, comparing it to renowned UK-based institutions. He noted that many parents, both in Nigeria and abroad, see the fees as justified considering the superior educational experience Charterhouse promises to deliver.
Despite ongoing construction and the school’s official launch scheduled for September, Olatunbosun revealed that significant interest from parents has led to adjustments in the school’s enrollment timeline. Additionally, he explained that the school’s fees reflect the substantial investment required to provide state-of-the-art facilities and a curriculum on par with international standards.
When questioned about the possibility of reducing fees in response to criticism, Olatunbosun reiterated the school’s commitment to providing value for money. He likened the decision to choose Charterhouse to selecting a restaurant, where varying prices reflect differences in quality and experience.
In conclusion, Charterhouse remains steadfast in its commitment to offering a premium educational experience, despite public scrutiny over its fees.
