January of fears, tears

• As FCT parents battle school bills

From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja

For many Nigerians, January does not come with joy. Rather, it comes with fear, bills and anxiety. And for obvious reasons.

Some parents in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, confessed Daily Sun that despite making plans ahead of January, life has remained tough as too many demands chase too little money. Florence Ibe, a civil servant, captured it aptly: “We were happy schools resumed, until stark reality hit. The reopening of school gates came with tears and painful decisions.”

She had prayed for schools to resume: “Keeping children at home during the holidays, was stressful, expensive and exhausting. When the announcement finally came, I felt relieved.

But the relief was short-lived. I thought we were ready. But when I started preparing, I realised we were far from ready.”

She lamented that what appeared to be a simple resumption turned into a long list of worries; tight sandals, worn-out uniforms, shoes that no longer fit. This is not the first time we are buying these things. Not even the second time. But money is not increasing the way children are growing.”

Her pain runs deeper. While she struggles to prepare the older children, her last child may not return to school this term: “The first term, he couldn’t go. I hoped this second term would be different. But now I see he will have to wait till next year. I cannot afford everything at once.

“School fees, uniforms, shoes, some books and daily snacks, all competing for limited resources. I hope to negotiate with the school for more time on fees, other needs cannot wait.

“With resumption on Monday, their bags are still empty. My children will not resume this Monday. I will give them one extra week. I don’t want them to go unprepared.”

Georgina Okoro, another parent, said: “School has started, but there is nothing to settle what comes with it. School runs have started again and honestly, I don’t know how we are going to survive this term. We made plans, yes but there is no money, nothing at all.

“Many parents are still owed salaries and allowances but have been forced to move on regardless. Others are yet to be paid, but we must continue. We have no choice.

“We believe that the same God who helped us cross before will help us cross again. Families are now running on faith alone. We are already inside this struggle. Only God will see us through.”

Ameh Adeh resides in Kura: said the previous year was economically devastating for him, leaving him unable to settle his children’s school fees before resumption.

“I have three children two in secondary school and one in primary school. I used to pay their fees early, but this time I couldn’t. All the money I expected during Christmas didn’t come,” he said. “But I’m still believing God for a breakthrough before the school fees drive.”

Similarly, Abdullah Usman, a resident of Nyanya, said illness ruined his careful planning.

“I normally prepare ahead,” he explained. “But my last child fell ill and all the money I saved went into hospital bills. I believe I will still pay before the fees drive.”

For John Abraham, gratitude remains his anchor. He thanked God for the success of the previous term and expressed optimism for the new one, though he admitted resumption is always financially draining.

“Especially first term,” he said. “That’s when parents spend the most. I’m not paying for books this term, but school fees alone run into thousands of naira. Still, I’m hopeful I’ll settle everything before January ends.”

Caroline Oko, described the situation as emotionally exhausting:

“We cried that we were tired of having children at home. Now school has resumed and everyone is running up and down. Parents have become emergency economists by force.” She said their last child, who was to start school this term, will remain at home to reduce expenses.

Eberechukwu Simon, a civil servant, did make a difference: “I handled school expenses before Christmas gifts. That’s why my children are back in school. Some parents are lamenting today because they chose extravagant celebrations over planning.”

Innocent Audu aligned:

“I paid my children’s school fees the day school resumed. It was not easy, but it was my priority. Nigerians like miracles too much. They don’t plan, and every term you hear the same cries.”