We, the undersigned parents of the School wish to express our unease regarding the price of the new school uniforms which the schools’ sole nominated outfitter - is charging parents.

BACKGROUND

If you recall back in 2014 when discussions on the new school uniform commenced, there were several concerns raised by parents. As a result of the concerns raised, the school sent out a survey to the parent community. Till date, the outcome of the survey has not been shared with parents. Instead, we were simply informed at the PTA meeting held on June 13, 2015 that parents major concern with respect to changing the uniform are cost and quality. The school assured the parent community that cost and quality would not change and went on to set up a 5-man committee, who wished to remain anonymous at the time, to drive discussions and decisions on the changes pertaining to the school uniform.

OUR PETITION

Whilst we have been assured that the quality of the new uniforms remains comparable to those sold by school outfitters abroad, from which most parents purchase their uniforms, and to those of previous outfitters for the school in Nigeria, We the parents are now left with no option but to conclude that the cost element, which the School indicated as a major concern of parents, has NOT been taken into consideration (see table 1 - current uniform prices as sent by school).

As you will notice, the price list as it currently stands compared to prices charged by other school outfitters in March 2017, reflects an increase of between 60-120% per uniformed item.

In our view, this is exorbitant especially given the fact that the nominated outfitter is the ONLY outfitter for the school, therefore eliminating any competition and/or competitive pricing. The use of a single outfitter also eliminates the ability to compare quality. As it stands, the cost of 4 complete sets of uniform (excluding PE kits, tie, jumper and school blazer), will be in excess of N80,000 (eighty thousand Naira only) per child , whereas schools that provide uniform set for children charge significantly less. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE TO US.

It is important to note that as a parent body we are not averse to the proposed change to the uniform. However, as concerned parents, we find the extreme increase in price unacceptable and we are fervently opposed to it bearing in mind the current economic climate of the country and individuals.

Consequently, we therefore request that the school management body immediately engage the chosen outfitters to align the new uniform price with those prevailing prior to the “slight addition of house colours” on the new school uniform.

(summary shown in Table 1)

Table 1: Current Uniform Prices

Uniform Age Old Price (N) New Price (N) % Increase

Shirt 11.5-14 3,500 6,300 80

7/8 3,500 7,200 106

8-12 3,800 7,400 95

13 4,000 7,700 93

14+ 4,200 8,000 90

Skirt 4-8 5,500 12,500 127

9-16 6,000 13,200 120

Waist – 24-30 5,500 10,400 89

Waist – 32-38 5,800 11,20 93

Waist – 40-42 6,000 12,700 112

The Parents