Amid rising transport fares due to fuel price hikes, student attendance in Nigerian schools has plummeted in the 2024/2025 academic year. Many families struggle with commuting costs, prompting parents to relocate students closer to home or leading to increased absenteeism and late arrivals.
As schools in Lagos and across Nigeria reopened for the 2024/2025 academic session, attendance rates have plummeted, signaling a significant impact from rising transport fares. Classes began on September 9 for many institutions, while others resumed on September 17. However, reports from various schools indicate a troubling decline in student turnout.
Educators and school administrators are attributing this drop to the recent hike in fuel prices, which saw costs escalate to N950 per litre and up to N1,000 in some regions. This increase has inevitably led to soaring transportation costs, making it increasingly difficult for families to afford commuting expenses.
In Birnin Kebbi, teachers observed a drastic decline in attendance, with one educator noting that many students did not return after the holidays due to financial strains. Similarly, in Gombe, late arrival and absenteeism among students and staff were prevalent, with students citing transportation costs as a primary concern.
In Jalingo, Taraba State, parents are opting to move their children to nearby schools to mitigate transportation expenses. Many students remain at home due to unaffordable registration fees, uniforms, and textbooks required for the new academic year.
Schools in the Federal Capital Territory reported low numbers, with parents struggling to purchase essentials. A teacher lamented that the economic pressures from rising fuel prices are affecting families' abilities to provide for their children's educational needs.
Overall, the situation highlights the broader financial difficulties faced by families across the country as they attempt to navigate the rising costs of education amid ongoing economic challenges.
Credit: Daily Trust
