Parents in Jigawa State have expressed concern over the cost of school materials as public and private schools prepare to resume on Monday for the new academic session.
The concerns followed the announcement by the Jigawa State Ministry of Higher Education confirming the resumption schedule and readiness.
In separate interviews with Saturday PUNCH in Dutse, parents lamented the financial strain of preparing their children for school amid economic hardship.
A mother of three, Hauwa Bello, said it was very difficult for her family to provide all the necessary tools and supplies due to increasing prices.
“Sending children back to school means new uniforms, books, and fees, which weigh heavily on our budgets,” he said.
Another parent, Musa Aliyu, whose daughters attend a private secondary school, said many families like ours struggle daily with basic needs, while the school expenses has added to the pressure.
She said, “The burden is real. With the current economic situation, it’s getting harder to make ends meet.”
Parents with children in public schools, including Usman Sani and Fatima Yusuf, shared similar concerns but remained hopeful.
“Even though it’s a public school, buying exercise books and uniforms still costs money. We pray things improve,” Malam Usman said.
A widow with three children, Fatima Yusuf, lamented that the cost of living had weakened her financial strength, saying the rising cost of education remained a key challenge many families face.
Meanwhile, teachers in the state have expressed their readiness to resume, saying all preparation had been made.
A teacher at Government Girls’ Secondary School, Dutse, Saudatu Yusuf, said, “We are almost ready to welcome our students back. We’ve been preparing our lesson notes and ensuring that all necessary materials are in place.”
Another teacher at Dundubus Primary School, Saminu Shehu, aske the state government to fix dilapidated classrooms in the school.
“While we’re looking forward to the resumption, we’re also concerned about the condition of some of our classrooms. We’re hoping the ministry will address these issues soon,” he said.
