Parents in Jigawa State are expressing worries over the high costs of school materials as public and private schools prepare to resume on Monday, September 8, 2025, for the new academic session.
The concerns came amid the Jigawa State Ministry of Higher Education’s announcement of the resumption schedule and readiness.
In separate exclusive interviews on Friday with the PUNCH correspondent in Dutse, the parents shared their thoughts about the upcoming school term, highlighting the financial strain involved.
Mrs. Hauwa Bello, a mother of three, said, “It is becoming very difficult 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.”
Another parent, Musa Aliyu, whose daughters are in a private secondary school, noted, “The burden is real. Many families like mine struggle daily with basic needs, and school expenses add to the pressure.
“My children attend a private school, and the fees are already high. With the current economic situation, it’s getting harder to make ends meet,” he said.
Meanwhile, parents with children in public schools, like Usman Sani and Fatima Yusuf, shared similar worries but remained hopeful.
Malam Usman said, “Even though it’s a public school, buying exercise books and uniforms still costs money. We pray things improve.”
Fatima Yusuf, a widow with three children, added, “We appreciate the government’s efforts, but the cost of living affects everything, including school needs.
“The rising cost of education remains a key challenge many families face, clashing with other daily necessities,” she lamented.
As schools gear up for the new academic session, PUNCH correspondent spoke with some teachers via telephone to assess their level of preparation ahead of the resumption date in the state.
Saudatu Danlami Yusuf, a teacher at Government Girls’ Secondary School in Dutse, expressed her excitement about the upcoming resumption.
“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,” she said.
On the other hand, Mr. Saminu Shehu, a teacher at Dundubus Primary School, highlighted some challenges. “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 noted.
In parallel, Mrs. Khadija Muhammad, a teacher at Dutse Model School, emphasised the importance of parental involvement.
“We’re eager to start the new term, but we need parents to support us in ensuring that our students excel. Regular attendance and timely completion of homework are crucial,” she stressed.
Responding via a telephone interview with PUNCH correspondent on Friday, the Public Relations Officer of the Jigawa State Ministry of Education, Wasilu Umar, provided insights into the resumption plans.
“Public and private schools in Jigawa State will resume on Monday, the 8th of September, for the commencement of the 2025/2026 first term academic session,” he said.
When asked about the arrangements for boarding and day students, Umar explained, “Boarding students will resume school on Sunday, the 7th, while day students will be in their respective schools on Monday, the 8th of September, for the immediate commencement of normal lessons.”
The PRO appealed to parents and guardians to send their wards back to school on the resumption day.
“The ministry has provided all the necessary teaching aids that will facilitate effective teaching and learning in schools,” he assured.
Umar also called on teachers to be in their schools and ensure the immediate commencement of lessons.
“The ministry has posted its staff to monitor the resumption and commencement of lessons in schools across the state,” he added.
Regarding compliance, Umar disclosed that the ministry has formed various inspection teams assigned to visit all schools across the 27 Local Government Areas in the state.
“These teams will ensure compliance with the resumption date,” he emphasised.
When asked about ongoing renovations in some schools, Umar confirmed that students in those schools would still resume as scheduled.
“Adequate arrangements have been put in place to facilitate learning despite the renovations,” he said.
Considering the recent flooding in some parts of the state, PUNCH correspondent asked Umar if any schools had been affected.
“For now, the ministry has not received any reports on that. However, we have made adequate arrangements and provisions in case we receive such reports,” he replied.
He assured the public that the ministry remains committed to ensuring that schools reopen smoothly and that learning will continue uninterrupted throughout the term.
The PUNCH correspondent reports that while parents are concerned about the rising costs of education, the Jigawa State Ministry of Education said it is working to ensure a smooth start to the new academic session, as stakeholders in the state hope that the new session will bring quality education despite economic hurdles, urging the government to continue to support the education system.
