Hardship forces parents to withdraw kids to public schools in Nigeria
The current economic situation in Nigeria has led to significant financial strain on families, prompting many parents to withdraw their children from private schools and enroll them in public schools.
This trend is primarily driven by the rising costs associated with private education, including tuition fees and additional expenses such as transportation and school supplies.
The economic hardship faced by many Nigerian families has been exacerbated by inflation, which reached 33.69% in April 2024.
This high inflation rate has made it increasingly difficult for families to afford basic necessities, let alone the costs associated with private schooling.
As a result, parents are forced to make tough decisions regarding their children’s education. Many have reported that they can no longer sustain the payment of school fees for private institutions, leading them to seek more affordable options in public schools.
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According to statements from the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), there has been a notable increase in student withdrawals from private schools. Kayode Adeyemi, the national general secretary of NAPPS, highlighted that both low-level and upper-class private schools are experiencing low enrollment rates due to parents’ inability to pay fees.
In some cases, school owners have resorted to alternative businesses, such as transportation services, after closing down their educational establishments.
Parents like Odunayo Majekodunmi have expressed that they are now scouting for public schools that offer reasonable quality education at lower costs. The shift towards public schooling is not merely a choice but a necessity for many families struggling under the weight of economic pressures.
Impact on public schools
As students transfer from private institutions to public schools, these public facilities are witnessing an influx of new enrollments. Teachers at these public schools have noted a significant increase in students coming from private backgrounds due to financial constraints faced by their families. This influx raises concerns about overcrowding and resource allocation within public educational systems that may already be underfunded and lacking adequate infrastructure.
The broader implications of this trend extend beyond just educational access; they also touch upon issues related to child labor and overall child welfare. With parents withdrawing children from school due to financial difficulties, there is a risk that these children may enter the workforce prematurely or engage in activities detrimental to their development.
Moreover, experts warn that as more children leave formal education systems, there could be long-term consequences for Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape. A lack of education can perpetuate cycles of poverty and limit opportunities for future generations.
