Nigerian families are struggling with rising school fees amid soaring inflation. Parents like Emeka Udeagu face overwhelming costs as school fees skyrocket, forcing tough financial decisions and lifestyle changes.
As Nigeria grapples with soaring inflation, many families are facing severe financial strain due to skyrocketing school fees. Emeka Udeagu, a father of two, is feeling the pinch as his children’s fees have surged dramatically. His eldest's school fees have risen from N700,000 to N1.2 million, and his younger child’s fees have doubled from N200,000 to N400,000.
This sharp increase reflects broader economic issues, as inflation continues to erode purchasing power despite official figures showing a decrease in education sector inflation. Schools have adjusted their fees to cope with rising operational costs, but stagnant incomes mean many parents are struggling to keep up. Udeagu has had to make significant lifestyle changes to afford his children’s education, including cutting back on non-essential expenses. Other parents, like Mrs. Rose Ofor, are also facing tough decisions, such as withdrawing their children from expensive schools.
The broader economic climate, including the impact of fuel subsidy removal, has intensified these challenges, highlighting the urgent need for systemic solutions to alleviate the financial burden on families and ensure access to quality education.
Credit: Nairametrics