The return to school this year isn't just about hitting the books; it's about finding the money to buy them. Across primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions, parents and guardians are feeling the pinch as fees, book costs, and accommodation charges have all seen significant hikes. This year, the financial strain feels heavier.
Specifically, the price of textbooks for core subjects like English and Mathematics at basic and senior secondary levels has shot up by a staggering 25% to 30%. A bookseller in Agege, Lagos, who only identified himself as Felix, explained that the scarcity of approved publishers and authors, coupled with rising printing costs, is driving these prices. The Federal Ministry of Education’s ranking system for textbooks, he noted, has also limited the market. This gives older, established publishers an upper hand while making it tough for new players to enter.
It's not just books. For parents looking to secure hostel spaces for their children, the bill has also increased. One private school in Agbado, Lagos, has upped its hostel fees by almost 50%. This is citing the general inflationary trend that has made running the facilities more expensive. If you thought public schools were a cheaper alternative, think again, at least in Lagos.
Parents in Lagos State who don't have a tax clearance certificate from employment will now pay N20,000 per child for a special tax. This is a jump from the previous N10,000.
Mrs. Okoye Ukamaka Priscilla, a mother of four, laid bare the challenge. Preparing her children for resumption means gathering funds for school fees, books, toiletries, and provisions. "The challenges are basically money—how to raise money to pay school fees and buy the necessary things they need," she shared. This highlights the central role of finances in her back-to-school preparations.
While parents wrestle with the financial load, students are also gearing up academically. Okoye Onyedikachi Steve, a 400-level university student in Lagos, is getting back into his reading groove. He's organising his old notes to hit the ground running when lectures start. He expressed mixed feelings about returning to campus but is keen to reconnect with his coursemates. "I have mixed feelings, but I am a bit excited to be back with my coursemates. I will have to get a few textbooks and maybe some basic stationery once lectures start," he said.
The cost of accommodation is proving to be a major hurdle. At Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, a bed space in the campus hostel now costs a hefty N520,000. This is a significant leap from N320,000 last session. This massive increase has predictably sent rents soaring in the neighbourhoods surrounding the university.
Meanwhile, as schools across the country prepare to reopen, there's also a looming concern about public health. Following the outbreak of diphtheria in some parts of the nation, which led to school closures in Plateau State, other states are taking proactive measures. In Bauchi State, for example, authorities are working hard to prevent any disease outbreaks in schools. Dr. Rilwanu Mohamed, the Executive Chairman of the Bauchi Primary Health Care Development Agency, expressed optimism that the situation is under control.
This is thanks to early detection and swift responses. Bauchi State schools are scheduled to open on September 14, 2026.