By Sodiq Adelakun
As schools resume yesterday (Monday) for new term, Nigerian parents are facing a financial nightmare. The escalating costs of tuition, transportation, education materials and essential goods have put strain on household budgets, leaving many families struggling to cope.
With the recent jump in petrol prices driving up transportation fares and the overall cost of living, parents are at their wit’s end.
Recall that The Edo and Kano State Governments have suspended the resumption date for primary and secondary schools in their respective states, citing different reasons for the decision.
In Edo State, the government attributed the suspension to the recent increase in petrol price, which has led to a hike in transportation costs. The state government said it was unable to afford the increased cost of transporting students to school.
On the other hand, the Kano State Government cited “urgent reasons” for the suspension, without disclosing what those reasons were.
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The suspension affects thousands of students in both states who were scheduled to resume school on Monday, September 9. Parents and students are advised to await further announcements from the state governments regarding the new resumption date.
The Edo State Government has promised to announce a new resumption date soon, while the Kano State Government has remained tight-lipped about its plans.
Pupils and students in Lagos schools have prepared themselves for the new academic session. While some parents laments the outrageous hike in prices, some others lament the cost of transportation to make their wards sit at home.
FTN observed schools in Lagos State communities like, Alimosho, Iyana- Ipaja, Egbeda among others.
Private schools like Veracity Model College in Alaguntan area of Alimosho witnessed 30% population of the students in the schools. While public schools like State High School, Government College witnessed low turn-out of the entire school population.
In a separate interview with Franktalknow, several parents shared their frustration and anxiety over the soaring expenses, pleading for urgent intervention from the federal government to alleviate the burden on families.
Mrs. Akinade, a public servant, lamented that the cost of education materials have become prohibitively expensive.
“The prices of textbooks, notebooks, and other school supplies have skyrocketed! It’s like they’re charging us per page, and to make matters worse, transportation costs are also going up. My children’s school bus fare has increased by 50% in just one year.” She exclaimed.
Also, Mrs. Alade, a mother of two, echoed similar sentiments. “I’m shocked at how expensive school materials have become. My children need a new set of books every term, and it’s costing me a fortune. And have you seen the price of pencils and pens lately? It’s like they’re made of gold!”
READ ALSO: Rising Cost Of Living Worries Parents As Schools Resume
Mr. Bola, a businessman, described his struggle to afford the necessary education materials for his children. “I have to choose between buying textbooks or paying for extracurricular activities. It’s heartbreaking to see my children missing out on essential learning experiences because I can’t afford the materials.”
Mr. Sikiru, a resident of Iyana Ipaja in Lagos State, emphasised the growing financial strain on parents. “We’re not just talking about school fees; we’re talking about the cost of uniforms, shoes, and even food. It’s like the education system is designed to suck money out of us. And transportation? Forget it, the cost of fuel is making it impossible for us to afford.”
The parents appealed to the federal government to intervene and alleviate their suffering. “Please, make education affordable again, Our children’s future depends on it,” cried Mrs. Akinade.
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