Parents in Jigawa Express Concerns Over Rising Education Costs as Schools Resume

As public and private schools in Jigawa State prepare to resume on Monday, September 8, 2025, parents are voicing concerns over the growing financial burden of sending their children back to school.

The Jigawa State Ministry of Higher Education confirmed the resumption schedule earlier this week, assuring the public of readiness for the 2025/2026 academic session. However, many families say the rising cost of school materials, uniforms, and fees is stretching already strained household budgets.

Parents Struggle with Rising Back-to-School Costs

In Dutse, several parents shared their worries about the upcoming term.

Mrs. Hauwa Bello, a mother of three, said the pressure is increasing every year:

“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.”

For Musa Aliyu, whose daughters attend a private secondary school, the challenge is even tougher:

“The burden is real. Many families like mine struggle daily with basic needs, and school expenses add to the pressure. With the current economic situation, it’s getting harder to make ends meet.”

Even parents with children in public schools echoed similar concerns. Malam Usman Sani noted that, while public schools are more affordable, items like exercise books and uniforms still require significant spending. Fatima Yusuf, a widow with three children, added that the cost of living makes it difficult to meet school needs despite government efforts.

Teachers Prepare, but Challenges Remain

Some teachers say they are ready to welcome students, while others are worried about infrastructural challenges.

At Government Girls’ Secondary School, Dutse, teacher Saudatu Danlami Yusuf expressed optimism:

“We are almost ready to welcome our students back. We’ve been preparing our lesson notes and ensuring all necessary materials are in place.”

But Mr. Saminu Shehu, of Dundubus Primary School, pointed out concerns about facilities:

“While we’re looking forward to resumption, we’re also concerned about the condition of some of our classrooms. We hope the ministry will address these issues soon.”

At Dutse Model School, Mrs. Khadija Muhammad emphasized the need for parents’ support:

“We’re eager to start the new term, but parental involvement is essential. Regular attendance and timely completion of homework are crucial for student success.”

Government’s Assurance on Smooth Resumption

Speaking on behalf of the state, Wasilu Umar, Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Education, confirmed the official resumption date.

• Boarding students are expected to resume on Sunday, September 7.
• Day students will resume on Monday, September 8.

He explained that the ministry has provided teaching aids to facilitate effective learning and has deployed monitoring teams across the 27 Local Government Areas to ensure compliance with the resumption date.

Umar also addressed concerns about schools undergoing renovations and recent flooding incidents in the state. He assured parents that arrangements had been made to prevent disruptions and to ensure learning continues smoothly.

Balancing Education and Economic Hardship

While the state government insists it has made provisions for a seamless start to the new term, the reality for many parents is that education costs remain a heavy burden.

The rising price of uniforms, exercise books, and tuition — especially in private schools — is forcing families to make difficult choices between education and other daily needs.

As Jigawa schools reopen, parents, teachers, and government officials all hope that the new session will not only improve academic standards but also bring much-needed relief to families struggling with Nigeria’s wider economic challenges.