Fuel Hike: Anxiety in Rivers, Cross River, others as schools resume

Amid the fuel hike and increases in transportation fares, as well as the rising prices of goods and services, there is growing tension as the new academic session begins on Monday.

Many parents and guardians fear they might not be able to meet their obligations in sending their wards back to school.

The sudden rise in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), otherwise known as fuel, has prompted some parents to withdraw their children from far-distance schools with high fees and move them to closer and more affordable institutions, among other reasons.

The current situation has left many parents feeling overwhelmed and anxious about the new academic session amid widespread suffering and scarcity.

In Rivers State, transportation fares have surged by about 100 per cent due to the fuel hike. Distances that bus and taxi drivers previously charged N300 for now cost N600. For instance, the fare from Rumuokoro to Choba is now N600 instead of N300, and this applies to other routes as well.

Consequently, some parents and guardians have expressed concern about their ability to cover the increased bus fees and school fees amidst the ongoing economic challenges.

One parent, Bobmanuel Anthony, who resides at No. 6 Igwe Street, Rumuosi, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, lamented that the financial burden was causing him sleepless nights.

He explained that while his salary remains stagnant, the costs of schools, goods, and services continue to rise.

He said, “My daughter, Angela, requires new textbooks and school uniforms because she was promoted to a new class, basic four, at Diamond Star Academy. For days now, I have not been able to sleep due to the costs.”

He feared that the increase in school fees might force him to withdraw his daughter and enrol her in a lower-cost school. The new school offers the option to pay 60% of the fees upfront and the remaining balance in instalments, making it a more manageable choice.

In contrast, Divine Nwagu, a father of four residing behind Rumuosi Market, has decided to withdraw his children from their current school and enrol them in the Community Secondary School, Alakahia, which offers a significantly more affordable option. He made this decision to alleviate the financial burden of educating his children amidst rising costs.

In Cross River State, some parents have urged the government to provide school buses to transport students to and from school at a subsidised cost.

Mr. Samuel Izu, a father of three secondary school students in the Eta Agbor area of Calabar, expressed concern over his children’s school increasing its bus fee by over 100 per cent. He lamented that the increase is problematic compared to his income as a civil servant.

Another parent, Mrs Theresa Archibong, said the rising transport fares forced her to move her children to a school within walking distance from their home.

Parents have called for support and understanding from school administrators, the government, and policymakers to address the economic challenges many Nigerians are facing.

Meanwhile, the Edo State government has postponed the school resumption in the state indefinitely. According to a memo from the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Ojo Akin-Longe, in Benin City, the decision was made due to the current situation and the rising tension caused by the fuel price hike.

In response, Edo APC Publicity Secretary Peter Uwadiae criticised the decision, describing it as a political gimmick unexpected by the public. Uwadiae expressed surprise that the state government would sacrifice the educational pursuit of children for political reasons.