Rising cost of living worries parents as schools resume

Nigerian parents are complaining as they grapple with the rising costs of tuition, transportation and basic goods that have put pressure on household budgets as schools resume.

In interviews, some parents expressed their frustration as they prepare for the new academic session amid the economic hardship.

Mr Chimuze Eze, a banker, said that last year’s increase in school-related expenses had continued this year, worsening the situation.

He said, “Last year, we experienced an increase in school fees; transportation to schools was almost doubled. Now, we are also faced with the same challenge.

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“The recent increase in the price of petrol will impact on transportation, and just like every other thing, there is a ripple effect.

” It is going to affect food prices, tuition fees, everything will go up.

“To be honest, we are not looking forward to those tough days. We just hope that something happens urgently.”

Jessica Nana, a mother of two, decried the high cost of preparing her children for school.

She said, “Things are very hard. My children are going to resume school, and I cannot boast of getting everything they need.”

Nana noted that the cost of school fees and transportation had surged, making it harder for parents to cope.

She further said, “The bus fare is now very high. We are hoping that the prices of things will come down. If not, it is going to affect school resumption because everything has tripled.”

Mr Joseph Okoh, a businessman, said,” I have to take this decision so that I can meet up with other essentials of life that have also doubled.

“The cost of transportation and feeding alone is high. It is almost impossible to provide proper meals these days.

” Things are more expensive than before, and I only hope that things will get better soon.”

Mrs Funmilayo Ade, a resident of Nyanya, said that the financial burden on parents was now more pronounced.

She said, “It has been hard for us because no matter how much we save, it is never enough.

” We are hoping to get enough money to buy necessary things for schools’ resumption and then another increase in fuel price which further worsened the situation.” (NAN)