Dare Babalola
As the new academic session begins, parents across the country are faced with a daunting reality: the cost of resumption is crippling. From school fees to uniforms, textbooks, and other essential items, the expenses can be overwhelming.
For many parents, the start of a new academic session means digging deep into their pockets to pay for the necessities. It’s a financial strain that is felt across all income brackets, with even middle-class parents struggling to keep up.
For low-income families, they face unique challenges when it comes to education costs. They may struggle to afford basic necessities, let alone school fees and learning materials.
School fees are often the most significant expense for parents. With many schools increasing their fees annually, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for parents to keep up with the payments. Some are forced to take out loans or dip into their savings to cover the costs.
In addition to school fees, parents must also contend with the cost of learning materials. Textbooks, uniforms, and stationery can be expensive, especially for parents with multiple children. The cost of these materials can be a significant burden.
The financial strain of resumption can take an emotional toll on parents. The stress and anxiety of trying to make ends meet can be overwhelming, especially for single parents or those with limited support systems.
The cost of resumption can have a significant impact on family budgets. Parents may need to cut back on other expenses, such as entertainment or dining out, to make ends meet. In some cases, parents may even need to sacrifice their own needs.
Some parents shared their bittersweet experience of resumption with NEWSTELLERS, sharing how their children’s return to the classroom affects their finances and influences their lifestyle at the same time.
For Olushola Badmus, a father of two primary school pupils, you can hardly be fully prepared for school resumptions as several unforeseen expenses creep out the moment you think your ward is ready to return to the classroom.
He said, “I started preparing for this term’s resumption even before they ended last term, but I discovered a few days before resumption that I still have some bills I’m yet to settle. Resumption is one of the hardest times for me financially.”
Furthermore, Badmus called for government intervention saying, “A lot of the present leaders in the country went through standard education for free. I agree that some public schools are free but what level of knowledge can my kids get from their teachers, some of whom are archaic and refuse to grow. If we have standard public schools, I doubt if parents will ignore that and take their children to schools that are eating into our money.”
“A brighter future for our children depends on our ability to provide them with quality education. By making education more accessible and affordable, we can create a better future for generations to come,” he added.
Mrs Esther Okorie, an entrepreneur said she lives below her earnings to ensure that her child gets the best education.
“If I decide not to consider my child, especially in terms of school fees and other school demands, I would definitely own two cars right now.
“Although I had to join a contribution group to ensure that I meet up with the financial burdens that come with resumption, I know I will still face more surprises by the time I take her to school tomorrow.
“That’s one of the sacrifices we make as responsible parents but if I can have it better, I would definitely love to,” the mother of one shared.
On the brighter side, Mrs Okorie said the resumption will give her room for a bit of freedom as she doesn’t have to always look after her kids like the holiday period.
Engineer Victor Elechi said the cost of resumption has been a major concern to him and his wife despite that they both do well with their income.
“It is not only school fees that you pay. Before and after school fees payment, other expenses come and you don’t have a choice but to pay every single penny. For example, how do you explain to a 3-year-old to be understanding and not cry when he or she is hungry because of your inability to fend for your family?
“We are always very disturbed during resumption periods and this is not because we have not cut our coat to our size but because the demands are too much,” he said.
He argued that school owners should consider striking out a lot of expenses they introduce especially during new resumptions, stressing that some new ideas just sucks the pockets of parents with no critical contribution to the lives of the pupils.
To cope with the costs, parents are getting creative. Some are forming support groups, while others are seeking financial assistance from relatives or friends. Many are also looking into scholarships or financial aid programs.
