In a startling and rare admission that has drawn both surprise and reflection across Nigeria’s political landscape, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, Governor of Ebonyi State, has revealed that all his children are being educated within Nigeria, and more precisely not even beyond the Southeast region. This statement, made on 3 January 2025, underscores an emerging theme in his administration: a call for resistance against the normalization of exorbitant foreign-school fees and the quest to restore faith in the domestic education system.
Key Points from the Statement
Residence-based schooling: Three of Nwifuru’s children attend schools in Ebonyi State; the other two are enrolled in Enugu State.
School fees capped at ₦35,000: The largest termly fee among these was ₦35,000. This contrasts sharply with what some Commissioners under his governance reportedly pay—over ₦2 million per term, and in some cases, more than ₦5 million.
Forward-looking concern: Nwifuru asked, rightly, “Where will I get the money after my tenure as Governor?” suggesting that reliance on excessive school fees is unsustainable—even for those in power.
A call to action: In his speech, he urged collective efforts to reform Nigeria’s educational system—specifically to reduce the elements that compel elites to send their children abroad or to expensive foreign-like institutions. He announced his intention to begin this educational repositioning from Ebonyi State.
Why This Matters
1. Costs and Inequality
The fee disparity noted by Nwifuru—₦35,000 versus ₦2 million or more—is an enormous gulf. It reflects income inequality and highlights how elite preference for expensive schools, especially overseas or private foreign-curricula institutions, widens societal divides. When public or locally-run schools are underfunded, people with means bypass the system altogether.
2. Sustainability and Governance
Nwifuru’s remark about not being able to pay exorbitant fees once he leaves office points to a broader problem: elite spending patterns that rely on political office or wealth accumulation. These are unsustainable for average families. If ruling-class behavior were more modest and more deeply rooted in local contexts, perhaps public confidence and investment in domestic education could improve.
3. Symbolic Leadership
By choosing to educate his children locally and rejecting extravagant fees, the governor is modeling a form of leadership that aligns personal choices with public policy. It is not merely campaigning rhetoric; it is living the message. This kind of consistency can help build trust in government promises about investing in public education.
4. Policy Implications
The governor has already taken concrete steps: for example, Ebonyi State University fees have reportedly been slashed by 10%. Further, his administration has signaled commitment to strengthening child protection systems and making education more inclusive.
Challenges & Considerations
Quality vs. Cost: Reduced fees are critical, but unless the quality of instruction, infrastructure, staff compensation, and learning outcomes improve, simply lowering costs may not stem the tide of parents seeking ostensibly higher standards elsewhere.
Resource Constraints: Ebonyi State, like many others, faces constrained budgets. It will need to prioritize spending, perhaps reallocate funds, and attract partnerships to ensure domestic schools can compete.
Nationwide Reinforcement: For systemic change, what happens in Ebonyi needs replication or adaptation across Nigeria. State-by-state reforms, backed by federal policy or incentives, may be required.
Public Perception & Expectations: Some may see the governor’s remarks as symbolic or even populist. Sustained results will require follow-through: transparency on spending, measurable improvements, and community engagement.
What’s Next: Steps to Reposition Education in Ebonyi and Beyond
Enhanced Funding for Local Schools
Increase budget allocations for public primary, secondary, and higher education. Ensure funds translate into improved facilities, teacher training, and educational materials.
Scholarship and Incentive Programs
Expand merit-based and need-based scholarships for students in public schools in Ebonyi. Create incentives for excellent teachers to remain in public service within the state.
Curriculum and Pedagogical Reform
Update curricula to match global standards while remaining contextually relevant. Introduce robust evaluation systems, improve teacher-student ratios, and invest in technology in classrooms.
Partnerships and Private-sector Engagement
Engage NGOs, private firms, and international donors to support infrastructure, teacher training, and research. Use public-private partnerships to reach underserved areas.
Regulation of School Fees
Consider establishing a body or regulation that monitors private school fees, particularly in elite and foreign curriculum schools, to prevent exploitative fee inflation.
Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru’s recent disclosure that none of his children are educated outside Nigeria—and none even outside the Southeast is more than a personal revelation. It is a statement of political and educational values. In a nation where sending children abroad or spending millions on fees has become a status symbol, Nwifuru is turning the tables—arguing that we must invest in what we have and reform the systems that force elites abroad.
If his words are matched with transformative policies, funding, and community participation, this could mark a turning point—not just for Ebonyi State, but for all Nigeria. The question remains: Will others in power follow suit? And can the educational system rise to support that vision?
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