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The resumption of the third term for the 2023/2024 academic session has brought forth a wave of challenges for parents in Osun State, Nigeria.
Amidst the excitement of students returning to school, parents are grappling with the escalating costs of tuition fees, food, and fuel, as well as the impact of fuel scarcity on their daily lives.
Fuel scarcity has been a significant issue in the state, with the Osun State Government issuing a warning to petrol station owners against hoarding petroleum products.
This situation has led to long queues and a hike in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol.
The government has urged marketers to be public spirited in their pricing of petroleum products and warned that hoarders will face the full wrath of the law.
Parents, such as Florence Oluwagbemiga, a banker, and Rashidat Jimoh, a fashion designer, have expressed concerns about the increasing school fees and the challenges of transportation costs.
The lack of good schools in some communities has forced parents like Hussein Arogun, a civil servant, to bring his six children to town from Monday to Friday before going to work and after closing hours.
The rising cost of living has also affected the daily lives of families, with the cost of food and other essentials becoming increasingly burdensome.
School fees have been a particular pain point, with some schools increasing tuition fees multiple times during the academic session.
Despite these challenges, the school proprietress, Florence, has acknowledged the financial struggles faced by parents.
She explained that the increase in school fees is not meant to punish parents but is necessary to cover expenses such as staff salaries, administrative costs, fuel for generators, and the purchase of stationery.
As the academic term progresses, it remains to be seen how the government and school authorities will address the concerns of parents and provide relief from the economic challenges they face.
The situation in Osun State serves as a microcosm of the broader economic struggles in Nigeria, highlighting the need for urgent solutions to ease the burden on families and ensure access to quality education for all.
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