The start of a new school year in Nigeria has highlighted the economic challenges facing families, with parents expressing concern over rising education costs even as students returned to class with fresh aspirations.
Speaking in Abuja, parent Mrs Ammy Elijah said that while she was grateful for her children’s return to school, higher tuition and related expenses were difficult to manage. “Parents remain committed to their children’s education, but the increasing costs are worrisome,” she said.
For Mrs Akuchi Ahamba, who sends her children to a government secondary school in Garki, the relief lies in lower public school fees. She, however, acknowledged that families with children in private schools faced steeper financial pressures, urging government intervention through subsidies.
Students, meanwhile, embraced the new term with optimism. “My goal is to be promoted to the next class and make my parents proud,” said SS2 student Miracle Martins. Her classmate, Omobolanle Abu, added: “I don’t want to get B again; I want excellence in all my subjects.”
For many young Nigerians, the academic year represents an opportunity for self-improvement, even as their parents grapple with the broader economic realities.
