The Parents Teachers Association (PTA) and the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) have raised concerns over a potential increase in the rate of school dropouts due to the rising cost of bus fares across the country.
They also cautioned that teachers may miss classes because of the financial strain caused by the increased transportation costs.
This concern arises as primary and secondary schools in Lagos State resume for the 2024/2025 academic session after a break, which ended for some on July 19, 2024, and for others on July 26, 2024.
During this period, the price of fuel surged from N750 to between N900 and N1,200 per litre, significantly increasing transportation costs nationwide.
The National Chairman of the PTA, Alhaji Haruna Danjuma, warned that the higher transport fares could result in more students dropping out of school, especially those who live far from their schools.
He appealed to the government to take urgent action, proposing free transportation for schoolchildren in certain areas to alleviate the financial burden on parents.
The Secretary-General of the NUT, Dr. Mike Ike-Ene, expressed concerns about teachers’ ability to attend school regularly due to their low salaries.
He criticised the government for failing to fulfil its promises, warning that the rising cost of living, coupled with teachers’ meagre wages, could negatively impact the education system.
Parents in Lagos have also voiced their frustration. Mrs. Nneka Aderounmu, a parent in Ikeja, reported that the cost of her children’s school bus had doubled, causing significant financial strain.
Jani Ibrahim, Chairman of the School-based Management Committee at Kings College, emphasised the need for a robust public transportation system to ease the burden on families and teachers. He suggested that the government regulate transportation to ensure affordability and inclusivity.
