By Aniche Chiamaka
The current economic situation in the country has pushed many parents and guardians to the edge, as they contend with hike in tuition fees, high cost of books and even increase in hostel accommodation for their children and wards.
Checks by our reporter across some schools, primary, secondary and even tertiary institutions, showed that parents have to pay more than they did last session, as their children resume for new academic session.
For instance, prices of textbooks in core subjects at basic education and senior secondary levels have gone up by 25 to 30 percent.
A bookseller in Agege area of Lagos State, who simply gave his name as Felix, said English, Mathematics and science textbooks are the worst hit.
“The situation is because not many publishers are given the nod to publish books in those subject areas. That has also limited the number of recognised authors. The ranking of textbooks introduced by the Federal Ministry of Education also led reducing the space for more authors and publishers to come in.
“It is old and established publishers that have to upper hand. New ones are finding it difficult to come into the business. Moreover, the cost of printing has gone up and that has surely affected the cost of textbooks,” he said.
Similarly, with the high cost of living, parents who want to send their children to school hostels may cough out more money this time around.
A private school in Agbado area of Lagos increased the fee payable by students staying in the hostel by about 50 percent. The reason being the need to take care of inflationary trend.
Even, pupils who want to attend public primary and secondary schools in Lagos State but whose parents and guardians are not in employment where they can secure tax clearance certificates, are to pay more than before.
The state government has increased the money they will pay for as special tax from N10,000 to N20,000 per child.
How parents, students prepare
Mrs. Okoye Ukamaka Priscilla, a mother of four, said preparing her children for resumption involves paying school fees and purchasing the items they need.
“I need to pay school fees, buy books, toiletries, provisions and other necessary things they need,” she said.
Okoye identified financial constraints as the major challenge she faces while preparing her children for school.
“The challenges are basically money—how to raise money to pay school fees and buy the necessary things they need,” she said.
While parents focus on meeting the financial demands of resumption, students are also making academic and personal preparations for their return to school.
Okoye Onyedikachi Steve, who is preparing to resume in 400 Level at a university in Lagos, said he is getting back into the habit of reading and organising his notes from the previous semester.
“I am getting back into the reading habit and organising my notes from last semester so that I am not starting cold,” he said.
He said he has mixed feelings about resumption but is excited about returning to school and seeing his coursemates.
“I have mixed feelings, but I am a bit excited to be back with my coursemates. I will have to get a few textbooks and maybe some basic stationery once lectures start,” he said.
However, the cost of accommodation on or off campus has become a big issue.
At Lagos State University, LASU, Ojo, a bed space in the hostel on campus now goes for N520,000, up from N320,000 last session. The development has led to astronomical increase in rent in the university’s neighbouring communities.
Similarly, Achebe Sylvia, who is preparing to resume in 300 Level, said he was making efforts to remain focused on his studies ahead of resumption.
“I am trying as much as possible to ensure that I am focused on my studies,” he said.
Sylvia said he was anxious but also looking forward to the experiences the new academic period might bring.
“I am anxious and looking forward to what the school holds for me,” he said.
Readiness for outbreak of diphtheria
With the outbreak of diphtheria in some parts of the country, a situation that has led to the closure of schools in Plateau State, state governments are also taking steps to ensure that no outbreak of pandemic is experienced in their schools.
Checks in Bauchi State for example, revealed that the state government took frantic steps to nip the outbreak in the bud.
Speaking on the issue, Dr. Rilwanu Mohamed, the Bauchi State Executive Chairman of Bauchi Primary Health Care Development Agency, expressed gladness that the situation has been brought under control.
He said though the threat was detected early in some areas, the prompt response ensured a return to normalcy. Bauchi State schools will officially open on the 14th September, 2026.
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