Parents Cry Foul Over Alleged Extortion by Anambra Private School

Some concerned parents in Anambra State have raised the alarm over what they describe as persistent financial exploitation by the management of a private school, alleging that the institution continues to impose unauthorized levies on pupils and students despite clear government directives aimed at protecting families from unnecessary charges.
According to the parents, the school has continued to introduce compulsory payments for activities unrelated to tuition, thereby placing additional financial burdens on families who have already paid the approved school fees.
In a recent notice issued to parents, the school announced its Class Awards, Nursery and Primary Pageantry, and End-of-Session Extracurricular Activities, scheduled for Friday, July 17, 2026.
The notice stated that participation in the programme is compulsory for all pupils and directed parents to make immediate payment for the activities.
More troubling, according to the notice, the school warned that any pupil whose parent failed to pay the prescribed fee for the “Fun Fair” would not be allowed to sit for the examinations scheduled to commence the following week, despite the fact that full school fees had already been paid.
The parents described the directive as arbitrary, punitive, and contrary to the principles of fair educational administration.
They argued that denying pupils access to examinations over non-payment of extracurricular charges amounts to intimidation and financial coercion.
They further maintained that the directive runs contrary to the standing policy of the Anambra State Government, under Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, discouraging end-of-session ceremonies and other activities that impose avoidable financial pressure on parents.
The concerned parents also accused the school of disregarding government policies by allegedly compelling parents to purchase new, non-reusable textbooks and workbooks every academic session instead of allowing the reuse of approved learning materials where applicable.
A parent, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of victimisation of their child, called on the Anambra State Government, through the Ministry of Education, to urgently investigate the school’s activities and enforce compliance with existing government policies regulating private schools.
The parent urged the government to ensure that no child is denied access to education or examinations because of the non-payment of fees unrelated to approved tuition and statutory charges.
The case highlights the persistent challenges surrounding the enforcement of government policies designed to protect parents and pupils from exploitative practices in private schools across Anambra State.
The school is located along Umuodu Road, by Goodwill Junction, Okpuno, in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
As of the time of filing this report, the Anambra State Ministry of Education had not issued any official statement on the allegations.