For many families in Burkina Faso, the rising cost of private education has become an unbearable burden. Alain Damiba, a slam artist, welcomes the government’s move to cap school fees, calling it a much-needed relief for parents struggling to afford quality education for their children.

The proposal has sparked mixed reactions. While some believe it will ease financial pressure on households, others argue that the real solution lies in expanding public education infrastructure. A 10,000 FCFA reduction, though modest, could make a difference for parents like Giles Sawadogo, who points out that living costs have surged while wages remain stagnant.

An ideal fee structure remains debated. Some suggest setting a ceiling between 50,000 and 100,000 FCFA per child per year, depending on the grade level and services offered. Others advocate for fully subsidized schooling, especially at the university level. Bassirou Gnaboné, a first-year Master’s student in Taxation, believes that expanding public schools and technical institutions would force private institutions to adjust their prices competitively.

The discussion also highlights the need for long-term solutions. Experts emphasize that regulating fees alone won’t solve the issue unless the state significantly boosts investments in public education—building more schools, hiring qualified teachers, and upgrading facilities. Such measures could gradually reduce families’ reliance on costly private alternatives.