Rising Cost of Living Worries Parents as Schools Resume

As Nigerian schools prepare to resume on September 9, parents are expressing concern over the increasing cost of living. The rising costs of tuition, transportation, and basic goods have placed immense pressure on household budgets, leaving many families struggling to prepare for the new academic session.

Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), several parents shared their frustrations. Mr. Chimuze Eze, a banker, noted that the increase in school-related expenses seen last year has persisted. “Last year, we experienced an increase in school fees; transportation to schools was almost doubled. Now, we are also faced with the same challenge,” Eze explained. He highlighted how the recent hike in petrol prices is expected to further impact transportation and food prices, deepening the financial strain on families.

Similarly, Jessica Nana, a mother of two, expressed difficulty in affording her children’s school needs. “Things are very hard. My children are going to resume school next week, and I cannot boast of getting everything they need,” Nana lamented, adding that bus fares and other costs had surged dramatically.

Joseph Okoh, a businessman, revealed that he had to transfer his children to a more affordable school to cope with rising costs. He noted that transportation and feeding had become nearly impossible to manage, saying, “Things are more expensive than before, and I only hope that things will get better soon.”

The burden is also felt by Mrs. Funmilayo Ade, a resident of Nyanya, who stated that no matter how much they save, it’s never enough to cover the necessary expenses. She urged the Federal Government to address the issue of fuel prices, which continues to have a ripple effect on the economy.