Many Nigerian states have postponed the resumption of schools due to the rising costs of fuel and general economic hardship. Parents are grappling with the increased financial burden caused by higher transportation fares and skyrocketing school fees, leading to difficulties in sending their children back to school. This challenge is felt across the country, with families increasingly concerned about affordability.
In Asaba, Delta State, parents are particularly affected by the hike in school fees and the added cost of transportation due to fuel price surges. Many families are reconsidering their options, with some planning to withdraw their children from private schools to enroll them in more affordable public schools, despite concerns over quality differences. This has raised fears that school dropout rates might surge, especially among families facing severe financial constraints.
In states like Cross River, the situation is no different. Parents have also voiced concerns over the fee increases in federal unity schools, which have almost doubled. Combined with the rising cost of food and other essentials, many parents are struggling to balance basic survival with their children’s education. There is growing anxiety that more students may miss out on this academic session due to financial strain.
This crisis has led to widespread calls for government intervention to ease the economic burden on parents, particularly by addressing the high cost of education and transportation.
