As the September 15 school resumption date draws near, many Nigerian parents are groaning under the weight of rising living costs, including transportation, rent, food items, and school-related expenses.
Across states such as Ondo and Oyo, families are facing financial strain as they prepare for the new academic session. From tuition fees to school supplies, the burden is becoming increasingly difficult for households already struggling with economic hardship.
Speaking with The Nigeria Education News, some parents in Ondo and Oyo shared their experiences.
“The market is not smiling,” said Mrs Janet Afolabi, a mother of three in Akure. “If you take ₦100,000 to the market, you’ll come back with just a few things. Transport is another problem. I’m scared of the resumption. We’re just begging the government to help us.”
For others, school fees have increased steadily over the years, putting pressure on already stretched incomes.
“My third child in primary school started with a fee of ₦14,000. Now, it’s about ₦20,000,” said Mr Adewale Ojo, a father in Oyo State. “That’s just for one child. I spend even more than that on feeding alone. I’ve been struggling to keep all three children in school. It’s overwhelming. I don’t earn much as a painter, and sometimes I don’t get any job for a whole month.”
Another parent echoed the same concerns. “In the last three years, I could manage feeding, school fees, and other needs for my daughter. But since late last year, things have gotten worse. Everything is expensive now,” she said.
In response to the growing concerns, the Ondo State Government recently introduced measures aimed at reducing the burden on parents. These include the cancellation of graduation ceremonies for nursery and junior secondary school students, a directive allowing the reuse of textbooks in schools, and the payment of West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) fees for students in public secondary schools.
According to a circular issued by the Ondo State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, the first term of the 2025/2026 academic session will begin on Monday, September 15. Oyo State schools are also scheduled to resume on the same date.
Despite these efforts, many parents are pleading for further government intervention to ease the financial pressure.
With the cost of living continuing to rise, some say they may be forced to withdraw their children from school or seek cheaper alternatives if nothing changes.
