Families are now considering the costs of tuitions, uniforms and children’s school supplies with mixed feelings of anxiety and hope as schools reopen. FARUQ DUROSINMI, UWAIFO FAVOUR NDIDI, PRECIOUS NWOBODO and SARUMI ADEBIMPE speak with parents in this report.
As schools across Nigeria prepare to reopen after the long summer break, parents are tightening their budgets, shopping for supplies, and making last-minute arrangements to ensure their children return to the classroom smoothly.
From stationery and uniforms to school fees and transport costs, the back-to-school rush has become a mixture of excitement and anxiety for families.
Mrs. Biola Arije, a mother of three, said she has been making adjustments since July to spread out the financial burdens. “I started buying notebooks and shoes gradually, because waiting till September would have been overwhelming. With the economy the way it is, you can’t leave everything for the last minute,” she explained.
For others, the struggle is more pressing. Mr. Daniel Umeh, a father of two secondary school pupils, admitted that the rise in tuition had left him anxious.
“School fees have gone up again this year. I want the best for my children, but it means cutting back on other household expenses,” he told The Nation.
Analysts said the start of a new academic session often exposes the financial pressure many Nigerian parents face. Beyond tuition, expenses include transportation, after-school lessons, lunch packs, and sometimes digital devices for blended learning.
At local markets in Lagos, traders confirm that the demand for school-related items has surged. Madam Grace Ojo, who sells school uniforms at Balogun Market, said: “Since mid-August, parents have been coming in large numbers. Some are buying new uniforms, others are just patching up old ones.”
Yet, beyond the economic angle, there is also a sense of optimism. Many parents see resumption as a fresh start for their children. “It’s not easy, but I’m happy they are moving to the next class,” said Mrs. Arije, whose daughter is entering senior secondary school. “We just pray for wisdom and strength to support them.”
At Ikotun Market in Lagos, Mrs. Ayo, a business woman, said the profit from her day’s work will go straight to her children’s school accounts.
“I stopped buying anything new for myself this holiday,” she said. “Every kobo is for fees. If we don’t pay on time, the children will miss classes, and I can’t let that happen.” We’ll do anything for their future,” Mrs. Ayo added.
Some parents said they have been saving throughout the holiday to avoid last-minute borrowing, while others admit they are considering loans to meet payment deadlines.
Mrs. Success Uwaifo, a mother of one secondary school student, explained: “School fees have gone up again this term. We had to cut down on our expenses during the holiday just to make sure our children don’t miss classes.”
Mr. Emeka Peter, a carpenter in Lagos State, said he had to take on weekend jobs to raise enough money for his daughter’s primary school fees. “Education is not cheap anymore, but I cannot let my little girl stay at home,” he said. “Even if I have to work day and night, I will pay.”
Despite these challenges, parents remain determined to keep their children in school. As classrooms prepare to welcome pupils back, it is clear that families are making sacrifices — cutting costs, saving throughout the holiday, and taking extra work — to secure one of the most valued investments in Nigeria today: a solid education for the next generation.
Another parent, Emeka Ani, expressed worry over the high cost of education.
“Everything in Nigeria has increased; increment in fees is not an exception, just that everyone is finding it hard to pay the fees because of the economic situation in the country.”
He shared some of the sacrifices he takes to make ends meet and sustain his wards in school. In all of this, he hopes that things will get better soon.
“It is a reoccurring thing but by the grace of God, we will overcome it.
Adeyemi Adeoye, a struggling parent and also a single father of two children, said: “To be honest, preparation is not a small thing this time around, but we are doing our best, we have managed to buy new shoes, some books and lunch items. The school fees haven’t been completed yet but I have spoken with the school and I’ll balance it soon. As parents, we always make sacrifices, we just want our children to resume well and stay focused with God, we’ll sort out the rest.”
Mrs. Mojisola Samah, a middle class parent, stated: “I am well-prepared for my children upcoming school resumption.”
I have taken care of the essentials, including school supplies, uniforms and textbooks. I have paid for their new class textbooks and school uniforms as I wanted a fresh start with new attire. I have already dewormed them and also take them for medical checkup. I have also made sure to stock up on snacks and healthy food, set up a dedicated study area at home, reviewed their schools schedule and planned our daily routines, discussed expectations and goals with my children to ensure they’re motivated and focused.
“I am confident that with these preparations, my children will have a smooth transition back to school,” she said
Pupils react
Pupils admit that the rising cost of resumption has put serious pressure on their families, as parents struggle to meet up with multiple financial demands.
