Parental involvement plays a foundational role in a child's academic success. When parents take an active interest in their child’s education—monitoring homework, attending school events, and maintaining communication with teachers—the student often performs better academically and emotionally. Numerous studies across the globe and even within Nigeria confirm that children with engaged parents are more disciplined, motivated, and focused in their schoolwork.

Unlike school fees, which mainly provide access to resources, parental involvement adds emotional and moral support, creating a home environment that reinforces learning. In lower-income settings where families may struggle with fees, active parental involvement can still make a huge positive difference. A present and involved parent can teach values, build confidence, and provide guidance that even the most expensive school cannot replace.

While parental involvement is valuable, school fees are essential for sustaining the learning environment itself. Without adequate funding, schools cannot pay qualified teachers, provide textbooks, maintain classrooms, or run extracurricular activities. In many Nigerian private schools, especially, fees directly influence the quality of education students receive. A child with highly involved parents may still suffer academically if the school lacks basic infrastructure and resources.

Furthermore, not all parents have the time, education, or ability to be involved due to work schedules or other challenges. In such cases, properly funded schools can act as equalizers by offering consistent, structured learning even without active parental input. Thus, while involvement adds value, school fees are the backbone that keeps the entire educational system functional and operational.

Parental involvement and school fees are both critical to educational success, but they serve different roles. While fees provide the structural and material foundation of education, parental involvement enhances the learning experience by giving children the support they need outside the classroom. Ideally, the best outcomes happen when both elements are present. However, if one must weigh more in importance, many would argue that genuine parental involvement can unlock potential even in modest educational environments.