By Sofiat Adenekan-Abdul
For many Nigerian families, September is no longer just the start of a new academic session. It is also a period of financial pressure, difficult choices and painful sacrifices.
With school fees, uniforms, textbooks, transportation and other levies due at the same time, parents are being forced to review household budgets and cut spending on other necessities.
For families with several children in school, the financial burden is even heavier.
For Ajayi Omeiza, preparing his four children for the new school session has required significant adjustments to his family’s finances.
He says the school fees for his four children amount to ₦1.6 million, with payment initially expected by August 21.
Although he has paid more than half of the fees, Omeiza says meeting the remaining cost has forced him to reduce several personal and household expenses.
He says he has cut down on social activities, reduced generator use and limited driving to save money on fuel.
He also considered moving his children to another school but decided to keep them where they are after comparing fees, security and the quality of education offered by other schools.
“I have had to cut down on other family expenses, especially the ones concerning me personally. I’ve had to cut down on social activities… I’ve also had to cut down on my energy expenses.”
Parents Urged to Choose Schools Within Their Means
Caleb Onwe says the challenge is not about sending children to the most expensive school, but choosing a school that matches a family’s financial capacity.
With children in university, secondary and primary schools, Ongwe advises parents against comparing themselves with others or taking on debts simply to maintain a particular standard of education.
“Every average Nigerian should always make educational choices that will suit their status and financial capability at every given time. Don’t be in competition with anybody.”
Onwe says affordability is relative, noting that what may be affordable to a wealthy family could be out of reach for middle- and low-income households.
He says he is also looking to raise about ₦1.5 million to cover school fees, books and other educational expenses for his children.
Parents Question Value for Money
Beyond affordability, some parents are also questioning whether the cost of education matches the quality of services provided by schools.
Wisdom Akwa says school fees have become increasingly difficult to manage, especially with additional charges for uniforms, books, school events and other activities.
He also questions whether some schools are providing enough value for the fees parents pay.
“It’s getting too much. You work, you make the little resources to buy fuel and pay school fees. Even before you even think of food, sometimes you are managing to eat while sorting out school fees and buying fuel.”
Education Competing With Basic Needs
As the cost of living continues to rise, education is becoming another major expense competing for limited household income.
For many parents, the question is no longer simply where their children should attend school, but how they can afford to keep them there without sacrificing basic needs such as food, transportation and energy.
Students across the FCT shared their experiences as they return to school after the long holiday.
Some teachers also shared their experiences as they welcomed students back to school.
As the new academic session begins, the experiences of these families highlight the different ways parents are planning for the cost of education.
For some, the focus is on raising the required fees, while others are considering the type of school they can afford and the additional costs involved.
