Parents and school authorities in Ebonyi State have cited the severe economic hardships facing the country as a key factor behind the low turnout of pupils for the new school term.
The Abakaliki urban area has seen a significant drop in student enrollment and fee payments compared to previous years. The soaring cost of petrol has led to increased expenses for transportation, educational materials, and basic food items, compounding the financial strain on families.
Parents, guardians, and caregivers are struggling to afford school-related costs, which has led to fewer children returning to classes and created challenges in meeting first-term requirements.
In a statement to Vanguard, Ebonyi State Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Engr. Jude Okpor, outlined the state government’s response to the economic challenges. He noted that the implementation of the National Minimum Wage was a strategic move by Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru to enhance living standards in the state.
According to Okpor, Governor Nwifuru’s administration is the first in the Southeast to implement the new national minimum wage. This wage increment, initially set at ₦10,000 and later raised to ₦20,000, aims to help mitigate the impact of fuel subsidy removal on the cost of living.
The governor’s administration has also introduced various empowerment programs, which Okpor described as “alert vamvavam” – a multi-faceted approach targeting different groups, including market women, civil servants, and youths. These programs are intended to provide timely assistance to families, particularly as they prepare for the new school term.
Mrs. Jacinta Ifeanyi, a mother of six, shared her difficulties in managing the current economic situation, expressing concern that not all her children might be able to resume school this term due to the financial strain.