By Tony Okafor, Awka
A major crisis has hit Aquinas Model Nursery and Primary School, Agu Awka, as furious parents on Tuesday boycotted the resumption of third term over a shocking 43 percent increase in school fees.
The school, managed by St. Thomas Catholic Church, was practically deserted, with classrooms empty and activities grounded as parents and guardians kept their children at home in protest.
The angry parents, most of whom are parishioners of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, stormed the school premises, accusing the newly posted Manager of imposing the hike without consultation.
They described the increment as “unfair, unilateral and exploitative,” demanding the immediate removal of the priest in charge.
Tension escalated as the parents revealed that the fee hike was communicated through letters sent via pupils — a move they called “demeaning and disrespectful.”
According to them, the action bypassed the long-standing tradition where fee decisions are jointly discussed during PTA meetings before a new academic session.
“This is not how things are done here,” one parent fumed. “For over 20 years, the PTA has been part of decision-making. Now, we are completely ignored.”
The situation worsened when the Manager allegedly dismissed their appeal during Mass, reportedly warning that he could “drop his cassock and descend into the gutters” if provoked further.
“He has increased fees twice before, and now again. All he cares about is money,” another parent alleged.
Parents also accused the Manager of sidelining the PTA entirely, claiming no meetings have been held since his return, effectively crippling a body that has supported the school for decades.
They further raised concerns that the fee increase is not aimed at improving learning conditions or staff welfare, but to fund the construction of a secondary school and repay loans tied to the project.
“For eight years, we’ve been asked to contribute to this secondary school, yet it is still at foundation level,” a parent lamented. “Why should our children suffer for it?”
The protesters have now called on the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Paulinus Ezeokafor, to urgently intervene, warning that the school risks total collapse if the situation continues.
“This Manager is running the school aground. If nothing is done, Aquinas Model School may shut down completely,” they warned.
In a twist, the school management has issued a stern warning to parents.
In a notice signed by Rev. Fr. Paschal Nnajiofor, any parent found protesting or inciting others against the fee hike faces sanctions.
The notice also warned that children of parents involved in “violence or gangsterism” would be expelled.
“We are committed to the safety of our pupils and church property. The school environment is sacred and must be respected,” the statement read.
Despite an initial intervention by the parish priest, the aggrieved parents insist they will escalate the matter to the diocesan bishop if their demands are not met.
As the standoff deepens, the future of the once-thriving Catholic school now hangs in the balance.