Fuel price hike forces Edo to suspend school resumption

The Edo State Government has indefinitely postponed the resumption of all schools in the state due to the surge in fuel price.

This was confirmed in a memo by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Ojo Akin-Longe, on September 7, 2024, in Benin.

The statement highlighted that the previously scheduled reopening for September 9 would no longer hold

“The Edo State Government hereby announces the postponement of the resumption of all public and private schools in Edo State…

“Originally scheduled for Monday, 9th September 2024, until further notice,” the memo read.

Akin-Longe explained that the delay was prompted by the challenges posed by the fuel price hike and its impact on parents and guardians.

“An official statement from the government has directed that schools remain closed due to the tension…

“Arising from the recent increase in fuel prices and the challenges faced by parents and guardians,” he added.

The government also urged parents and guardians to closely monitor their children during this period, given the ongoing situation.

“The government urges parents, guardians, and caregivers to monitor the activities of their children and wards closely…

“Given the current situation and the rising tension caused by the fuel price hike,” Akin-Longe added.

Impact of the fuel price hike

Economic Implications:

The fuel price surge in Nigeria, with petrol now costing about ₦1,000 per liter, has significantly increased the cost of living across the country.

For low-income families, transportation costs have skyrocketed, often doubling in some cities.

This creates an added financial strain on parents who would need to cover their children’s commuting expenses when schools reopen.

Rising fuel prices also lead to higher food prices due to increased transportation costs for agricultural products, worsening economic conditions for the poorest households.

National Context:

Fuel price increases are a national issue affecting education and other sectors.

The removal of fuel subsidies, which previously shielded families from extreme inflation, has led to unrest.

Many people are now struggling to afford daily necessities like food, healthcare, and education.

According to reports, inflation has surged to over 24% in mid-2024, largely due to fuel and energy costs, making it difficult for families to prioritize education expenses.

Expanding the report to include broader economic and national impacts would provide readers with a more comprehensive understanding of the decision to postpone school resumption.

It would also highlight the implications of this decision on the education system.

Government’s broader response

Apart from postponing school resumption, the Edo State Government has implemented several initiatives to mitigate the impact of the fuel hike.

The administration is reportedly considering fuel subsidies and palliatives to ease the financial burden on residents.

Discussions are ongoing about potential alternatives to make transportation more affordable for students and public service workers.

However, these measures have not yet been fully rolled out.

Comparisons with other states

In response to the fuel price hike, different Nigerian states have implemented varied strategies to manage its economic impact.

Edo State is not alone in facing disruptions due to fuel price increases.

In many regions, such as Adamawa, Maiduguri, and Delta, fuel prices surged beyond ₦1,000 per liter in some stations, with independent marketers setting even higher rates.

This has exacerbated transportation costs and inflation, making basic commodities more expensive for low-income families.

Other states, including Lagos and Bayelsa, have struggled with increased living expenses.

Some governments are exploring palliatives or transportation subsidies to alleviate the burden on citizens.

For example, the federal government has launched the National Social Safety Net Program (NASSP) to offer targeted assistance, but many citizens still feel the pinch of rising costs.

In Edo State, no immediate palliatives specific to school resumption have been implemented beyond the postponement.

However, in states like Lagos and Rivers, conversations around transport subsidies have gained traction.

This suggests that similar measures may be considered across the country as the crisis deepens.

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