Parents groan as children return to school
■ Govt has put parents in unbearable hardship without any hope in sight, they lament
By Ngozi Nwoke
As the new academic session for primary and secondary schools across the country gets underway, a number of parents and guardians have come under heavy burden.
They insist that to pay school fees for their children and wards, buy books, give them good food, pay house rent, and afford the cost of transportation of the children to and from schools have become an unrealistic endeavour.
For many parents, the persistent economic downturn in the country has worsened the already daunting task of providing for their families. They have been finding themselves grappling with an unrelenting financial burden, especially on financing the education of their children.
Ibrahim Mustapha, a security guard, whose two children in nursery and primary classes could not resume school immediately after resumption, a few weeks ago, revealed that he just paid part of his house rent to avoid being ejected from the house.
“I’m already in distress. My two children, Halima and Ahmed, did not resume school because I haven’t paid their school fees. I just renewed my expired house rent, and my landlord increased the rent. Payment of the rent made me unable to pay my children’s fee, that’s why they are at home. The increase in the prices of almost everything is affecting us.”
Mustapha is not alone in his plight. Nuhu David, a psychologist and father, also drew attention to the paradox of Nigeria’s rich resources juxtaposed with the economic hardships being faced by its citizens.
“Our country is blessed with crude oil, but our leadership has failed to harness its potential,” he stated, emphasising that poor policies and governance have led to stagnation for the country.
“The dollar-naira exchange rate has made us a consuming economy rather than a producing one, leading to rising costs of food, transportation, and essentials. This situation is particularly challenging for parents trying to manage their families,” he asserted.
“The financial insecurity can trigger anxiety and sleep disorders. The daily struggle to meet basic needs can lead to deep worry over bills, loss of hope, marital problems, and even children dropping out of school,” he explained, urging the government to reform its leadership style to alleviate poverty.
The emotional toll is just as severe for Emeka Nwoke, a father of four and a clergyman. He has four children in primary and secondary schools.
He stated that the relentless economic hardship has stretched many families to their limits, saying: “Families can barely afford two square meals in a day, let alone pay for school fees or other basic needs.”
Nwoke also noted that the rising cost of living has forced many parents to make agonising choices between essentials.
“I’ve had to pull my kids out of private schools or delay their education,” he said as he shared his experience on the grim reality that many parents now face.
He continued: “For some, juggling multiple jobs has become necessary, but with those responsibilities comes increased stress and fatigue.”
Nwoke also elaborated on how families have been learning to adapt. “Many have embraced frugality—preparing meals at home instead of dining out, buying in bulk, and seeking cheaper healthcare options,” he said.
He stated further that the communal support system is now more crucial than ever, as extended family networks and local savings groups could provide temporary relief.
“The economic hardship in Nigeria has taken a significant toll on parents, who are now facing immense challenges in providing for their families. With inflation driving up the cost of food, housing, and basic necessities, many parents struggle to stretch their incomes to cover daily expenses.
“The rising cost of school fees has added another layer of burden, forcing some parents to withdraw their children from private schools or delay their education. The overall impact is an increasing sense of financial insecurity, where parents must constantly make difficult choices between essential needs such as food, healthcare, and education.
“In an attempt to survive these harsh economic conditions, many parents are turning to creative solutions to supplement their income. Some are taking up multiple jobs, engaging in small-scale businesses, or leveraging the gig economy. These side hustles, from food vending to freelance work, are often crucial for filling the financial gaps left by stagnant wages or job losses.”
It was also gathered that single parents face unique pressures due to the harsh economic climate. Ms. Tessy, a single mother, revealed how the economic crisis has affected her wellbeing.
“I try my best, but the pressure to provide can lead to tension within the household,” she said, even as she underscored the emotional struggle of balancing work and home responsibilities.
Yet, amidst the gloom, she was optimistic that there is a flicker of hope. According to her, “I keep my faith that better economic policies will eventually come our way.”
She illustrated the resilience many families cling to, and how single parents would continue to deploy survival strategies to keep their families afloat.
Kenneth Akuwuigwe, a pastor, said, “In fact, this President Bola Tinubu’s administration has put parents in unbearable hardship without any hope in sight. Now, schools have resumed and many parents cannot afford to send their children and wards back to school.
“It is very difficult for parents to provide food for children because of the high price of food items, both imported and locally produced agricultural products.
“Education is also affected as its standard has been destroyed in this country as some students now stay back at home because of the inability of their parents to afford to pay transportation fares and school fees.”
A civil servant, John Briggs, also shared his experience of the hardship as his children go back to school.
“Actually, it’s difficult. My salary has never been enough since I started working at the ministry, but it’s more difficult now because of the fuel cost. I still owe the balance of school fees for last term.
“Now another term is here. We can only pray to God for help. Hopefully, things would get better. I’m yet to pay for my children fully. But I would surely pay soon. I’m hoping to get a better job.”