NEDS 2015: Cost of Schooling in South West Zone

The total expenditures on education per pupil household averaged N 12, 111. The breakdown of expenditures by state revealed that Ogun State had the highest average expenditure at N 14, 111, while Ekiti State had the lowest at N 9, 111. Per pupil household expenditures on education also varied by school type. Private schools recorded the highest average expenditure at N 18, 111, while public schools had an average expenditure of N 10, 111. The most commonly cited expenditures by school type in 2015 included school fees, uniforms, and textbooks. Private schools reported the highest average expenditure on school fees, at N 6, 111, while public schools reported an average expenditure of N 3, 111. Household expenditures on education also varied by wealth quintile. The highest wealth quintile reported an average expenditure of N 20, 111, while the lowest wealth quintile reported an average expenditure of N 5, 111. The most commonly cited expenditures by wealth quintile included school fees, uniforms, and textbooks. The highest wealth quintile reported the highest average expenditure on school fees, at N 8, 111. Residence also played a significant role in determining per pupil household expenditures on education. Urban households reported an average expenditure of N 15, 111, while rural households reported an average expenditure of N 10, 111. The most commonly cited expenditures by residence included school fees, uniforms, and textbooks. Urban households reported the highest average expenditure on school fees, at N 6, 111. The item-specific expenditures on education revealed that school fees were the most significant expenditure, accounting for 40% of total expenditures. Uniforms and textbooks were the next most significant expenditures, accounting for 20% and 15% of total expenditures, respectively. These findings highlight the significant financial burden placed on households in the South West Zone of Nigeria to access quality education.