The worsening economic situation in Nigeria is putting increasing pressure on parents and guardians as they struggle to meet the rising cost of education ahead of the new academic session.
From higher tuition fees and increasingly expensive textbooks to rising hostel and accommodation charges, families are being forced to spend significantly more than they did during the previous session.
Checks by our reporter across primary, secondary and tertiary institutions showed that the cost of preparing children and wards for school has increased considerably.
For instance, the prices of textbooks in core subjects at the basic and senior secondary education levels have risen by between 25 and 30 per cent.
A bookseller in the Agege area of Lagos State, who identified himself simply as Felix, said textbooks for English Language, Mathematics and Science had recorded some of the steepest increases.
He attributed the development partly to restrictions on the number of publishers and authors permitted to produce textbooks in certain subject areas.
“The situation is because not many publishers are given the nod to publish books in those subject areas. That has also limited the number of recognised authors.
“The ranking of textbooks introduced by the Federal Ministry of Education has also reduced the space for more authors and publishers to come in.
“It is the old and established publishers that have the upper hand. New ones are finding it difficult to come into the business. Moreover, the cost of printing has gone up and that has surely affected the cost of textbooks,” he said.
The rising cost of living has also affected hostel accommodation, with some private schools increasing charges for students who reside on campus.
A private school in the Agbado area of Lagos reportedly increased its hostel fee by about 50 per cent, citing rising inflation and the higher cost of maintaining the facilities.
Parents whose children attend public primary and secondary schools in Lagos are also facing additional financial pressure.
Those whose parents or guardians are not employed in organisations where they can obtain tax clearance certificates are required to pay a special tax of N20,000 per child, up from N10,000 previously.
Parents Struggle With Resumption Costs
For many families, preparing children for the new academic session has become a major financial challenge.
A mother of four, Mrs Okoye Ukamaka Priscilla, said she needed to raise money for school fees, books, toiletries, provisions and other essential items ahead of resumption.
“I need to pay school fees, buy books, toiletries, provisions and other necessary things they need,” she said.
Okoye identified the availability of funds as her biggest challenge.
“The challenges are basically money—how to raise money to pay school fees and buy the necessary things they need,” she added.
While parents grapple with the financial burden, students are also preparing academically and personally for the new session.
A 400-level university student in Lagos, Okoye Onyedikachi Steve, said he was trying to return to a regular reading routine while organising his notes from the previous semester.
“I am getting back into the reading habit and organising my notes from last semester so that I am not starting cold,” he said.
He said he had mixed feelings about returning to school but was excited about seeing his coursemates.
“I have mixed feelings, but I am a bit excited to be back with my coursemates. I will have to get a few textbooks and maybe some basic stationery once lectures start,” he said.
Accommodation Costs Soar
The rising cost of accommodation has emerged as another major concern for students and their families.
At Lagos State University, Ojo, a bed space in the university hostel reportedly now costs N520,000, compared with N320,000 during the previous session.
The increase has also contributed to higher rental charges in communities surrounding the institution as students seek alternatives to on-campus accommodation.
Another student preparing to resume in 300 Level, Achebe Sylvia, said she was making efforts to remain focused on her studies despite the uncertainties surrounding the new academic session.
“I am trying as much as possible to ensure that I am focused on my studies,” she said.
She added that she was anxious but looking forward to what the new session would bring.
“I am anxious and looking forward to what the school holds for me,” she said.
Schools Prepare Against Disease Outbreaks
Beyond the financial challenges associated with resumption, state governments are also stepping up preparations to prevent disease outbreaks in schools.
The development follows reports of diphtheria outbreaks in parts of the country, which have led to the closure of some schools in Plateau State.
In Bauchi State, authorities said measures had been taken to contain the threat and prevent further spread.
The Executive Chairman of the Bauchi State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Rilwanu Mohammed, said the situation had been brought under control after the threat was detected early.
He said the prompt response by health authorities helped restore normalcy.
Schools in Bauchi State are scheduled to officially reopen on September 14, 2026.
As families prepare for the new academic year, the rising cost of education, accommodation and essential school materials continues to highlight the growing financial burden faced by parents and students across the country.
