Some education stakeholders in Nasarawa State have raised concerns over the rising cost of school materials as schools prepare to resume for a new academic session.
They said the soaring prices of uniforms, textbooks, school bags, sandals and other learning materials were adding to the financial burden on families already grappling with the high cost of living.
The stakeholders spoke in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Nasarawa State.
According to reports, the prices of basic school items have risen significantly compared with their costs about three years ago, forcing many parents to make difficult choices over what to buy for their children.
Mrs Ezurike Loreth, Proprietress of Flora Home International School, Aso, in Karu Local Government Area, said the rising cost of books, uniforms and other essential materials was affecting both schools and parents.
She said the school had reviewed its list of requirements and removed non-essential items to ensure that parents only paid for materials considered necessary for effective learning.
“We asked ourselves what a child truly needs to learn well this term, and we stripped away anything that was not essential,” Ezurike said.
She added that purchasing educational materials early had helped reduce costs, noting that prices often rise as schools resume due to increased demand.
According to her, parents were also encouraged to reuse textbooks and other learning materials that remained relevant, particularly those whose contents had not changed from one academic session to another.
“We ensured this term’s scheme of work builds directly on where the previous session concluded, so there is continuity rather than time lost re-establishing where a class left off,” she said.
Ezurike said the school also maintained open communication with parents facing financial difficulties to explore payment arrangements that would ensure their children’s education was not disrupted.
Similarly, Mrs Gladys Ohiwere, Headmistress of Leadway Academy, Masaka, said the school had introduced flexible payment plans to reduce the pressure on parents who might find it difficult to pay school fees and other expenses at once.
She said parents could spread their payments over several months, allowing them to meet their financial obligations gradually.
“As a school, we make our payment arrangements flexible. Instead of parents paying a huge amount at once, payments can be broken down into parts. This month you pay this amount, next month you pay another part, and the following month you pay the balance. This makes it easier for parents,” she said.
On maintaining educational standards amid rising costs, Ohiwere said the school had avoided unnecessary charges that could further increase the financial burden on parents.
“We do not compromise on the quality of our education, but we also make sure that whatever we do does not unnecessarily increase the cost of education for parents. We avoid unnecessary charges that will make parents uncomfortable or discourage them from bringing their children back to school,” she said.
She added that the school was also preparing its classrooms by cleaning the environment and arranging chairs and other learning facilities ahead of the return of old and new students.
A parent, Mrs Chinelo Ebuka, said the rising cost of school materials had forced her to prioritise some items over others.
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She said the situation was particularly difficult for families with several children, who also had to contend with the rising costs of food, accommodation and other household needs.
“You may want to buy everything your children need before school resumes, but the money may not be enough. Sometimes, I buy uniforms first and postpone bags, or buy sandals and promise to get other things later,” she said.
Mrs Aisha Bello, a trader, said parents frequently complained about the rising prices of school bags, sandals and other educational materials.
According to her, many parents now opted for cheaper products because they could no longer afford higher-quality school items.
“Parents complain that things are expensive, but traders also buy these goods at higher prices. Each time we go to restock, we discover that the prices have increased,” she said.
NAN reports that preparations for the new academic session have become a period of careful financial planning for many families, as parents struggle to balance education expenses with other essential household needs.
