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Fees Hike: Parents Groan As Schools Resume

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As primary and secondary schools in Nigeria open their doors for the first academic term after a lengthy (third term) break, parents and guardians across the country are groaning, with the weight of a harsh economy and increase in fees.

The resumption of schools came at a time Nigerians are battling with the harsh realities of an economy that seems to be out of control.

Fuel price has skyrocketed to a staggering N615 per litre, a stark contrast to the N197 per litre during the previous academic term.

This surge in fuel cost is a direct result of the federal government’s removal of fuel subsidy, a move that sent shockwaves throughout the nation.

The first term of the academic year is traditionally a period of transition for many students and pupils.

New classes mean new uniforms, textbooks, and additional expenses for parents who are already stretched thin.

However, what has compounded this situation further is the revelation that many schools within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and across the states have quietly increased their fees and logistics charges.

A prime example is a top secondary school located in Orozo, an outskirt of Abuja, which has announced a substantial fee hike from N2.8 million naira per term to a staggering N3.87 million.

Similarly, a popular secondary school in Jabi, Abuja, has raised fees for Junior students from N3.8 million naira to 4.5 million naira.

The news of this increment has left many parents frustrated and anxious about how they will cope with the financial strain.

Some parents have voiced their concerns, urging both the government and the school proprietors to reconsider their decisions.

They called upon the government to take immediate action to mitigate the adverse effects of the subsidy removal, which have aggravated an already dire economic situation.

The parents also urged school proprietors to be considerate in their approach to fee adjustments.

Sarah Thompson, a civil servant and resident of Karshi Abuja, lamented that it’s understood that schools need to cover their costs, but pleaded for transparency and a fair balance between quality education and affordability.

She said, “It’s heartbreaking to see the fees for our children’s education go up so drastically. We’re already struggling with the increased cost of living, and now this? It’s a heavy burden.

“Every year, it feels like we’re being squeezed even more. The rising prices of school materials and the sudden fee hike are making it incredibly challenging for us as parents.”

Another frustrated parent, Fatima Ahmed, a tailor, lamented thus, “I want the best education for my child, but it’s becoming increasingly unaffordable. These rising costs for textbooks and school fees are pushing us to our limits.

“The government needs to step in and address these issues. It’s not just about fees; it’s about the overall cost of sending our kids to school. We can’t bear this alone.”

A mother of triplets, Enuwa Ochefu, who is a petty trader told our reporter that, “As parents, we are left with no choice but to make sacrifices in other aspects of our lives to ensure our children can continue their education. It’s a tough situation.

“Education is a fundamental right, and it’s disheartening to see it becoming a luxury for many. We hope that the authorities take notice of our struggle.”

Meanwhile, Miss Israel Kwer, the proprietor of Mt Moriah Group of Schools, Abuja, shared her perspective on the matter in an interview with DAILY POST on Sunday.

She revealed that her school had been facing difficulties paying its staff since the removal of fuel subsidy.

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Despite the challenging circumstances, she stated that her institution had not increased its bus fees.

She said, “We want to be transparent about our fee adjustments. The rising market prices, like textbooks going from 2000 to 5000, have compelled us to make these changes.

“However, we’ve taken the extra step of not increasing our bus fees despite the fuel cost rising to N617 from last term’s N195 per litre. We kindly request their understanding and support as we navigate these challenging financial circumstances together.”

A parent in Enugu State, Chief Chris Eze, on his part, said it was high time both the government and the school proprietors exhibited sensitivity and responsiveness to the plight of parents.

He said, “Education is the cornerstone of a nation’s progress, and it’s essential that we work together to ensure it remains accessible and affordable, particularly during these challenging economic times.

“The worst part of it is that the government is living in denial; I recall when news filtered in that school fees for unity schools had been increased to N100,000.

“The Federal Government quickly issued a circular telling the members of the public to discountenance the news.

“But as we speak, they are paying no less than N130,000; this is excluding hostel requirements.

“It is difficult for parents to cope with this kind of situation; we had expected that the government would consider the plight of parents but that has not happened,” he lamented.

Meanwhile, it was observed that some parents are withdrawing their wards from private schools owing to their inability to pay the adjusted fees.

As primary and secondary schools in Nigeria open their doors for the first academic term after a lengthy (third term) break, parents and guardians across the country are groaning, with the weight of a harsh economy and increase in fees.

The resumption of schools came at a time Nigerians are battling with the harsh realities of an economy that seems to be out of control.

Fuel price has skyrocketed to a staggering N615 per litre, a stark contrast to the N197 per litre during the previous academic term.

This surge in fuel cost is a direct result of the federal government’s removal of fuel subsidy, a move that sent shockwaves throughout the nation.

The first term of the academic year is traditionally a period of transition for many students and pupils.

New classes mean new uniforms, textbooks, and additional expenses for parents who are already stretched thin.

However, what has compounded this situation further is the revelation that many schools within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and across the states have quietly increased their fees and logistics charges.

A prime example is a top secondary school located in Orozo, an outskirt of Abuja, which has announced a substantial fee hike from N2.8 million naira per term to a staggering N3.87 million.

Similarly, a popular secondary school in Jabi, Abuja, has raised fees for Junior students from N3.8 million naira to 4.5 million naira.

The news of this increment has left many parents frustrated and anxious about how they will cope with the financial strain.

Some parents have voiced their concerns, urging both the government and the school proprietors to reconsider their decisions.

They called upon the government to take immediate action to mitigate the adverse effects of the subsidy removal, which have aggravated an already dire economic situation.

See also  FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC BAUCHI RELEASES 2ND SEMESTER ACADEMIC CALENDAR FOR THE 2021/2022 & 2022/2023 CONTACT SESSION

The parents also urged school proprietors to be considerate in their approach to fee adjustments.

Sarah Thompson, a civil servant and resident of Karshi Abuja, lamented that it’s understood that schools need to cover their costs, but pleaded for transparency and a fair balance between quality education and affordability.

She said, “It’s heartbreaking to see the fees for our children’s education go up so drastically. We’re already struggling with the increased cost of living, and now this? It’s a heavy burden.

“Every year, it feels like we’re being squeezed even more. The rising prices of school materials and the sudden fee hike are making it incredibly challenging for us as parents.”

Another frustrated parent, Fatima Ahmed, a tailor, lamented thus, “I want the best education for my child, but it’s becoming increasingly unaffordable. These rising costs for textbooks and school fees are pushing us to our limits.

“The government needs to step in and address these issues. It’s not just about fees; it’s about the overall cost of sending our kids to school. We can’t bear this alone.”

A mother of triplets, Enuwa Ochefu, who is a petty trader told our reporter that, “As parents, we are left with no choice but to make sacrifices in other aspects of our lives to ensure our children can continue their education. It’s a tough situation.

“Education is a fundamental right, and it’s disheartening to see it becoming a luxury for many. We hope that the authorities take notice of our struggle.”

Meanwhile, Miss Israel Kwer, the proprietor of Mt Moriah Group of Schools, Abuja, shared her perspective on the matter in an interview with DAILY POST on Sunday.

She revealed that her school had been facing difficulties paying its staff since the removal of fuel subsidy.

Despite the challenging circumstances, she stated that her institution had not increased its bus fees.

She said, “We want to be transparent about our fee adjustments. The rising market prices, like textbooks going from 2000 to 5000, have compelled us to make these changes.

“However, we’ve taken the extra step of not increasing our bus fees despite the fuel cost rising to N617 from last term’s N195 per litre. We kindly request their understanding and support as we navigate these challenging financial circumstances together.”

A parent in Enugu State, Chief Chris Eze, on his part, said it was high time both the government and the school proprietors exhibited sensitivity and responsiveness to the plight of parents.

He said, “Education is the cornerstone of a nation’s progress, and it’s essential that we work together to ensure it remains accessible and affordable, particularly during these challenging economic times.

“The worst part of it is that the government is living in denial; I recall when news filtered in that school fees for unity schools had been increased to N100,000.

“The Federal Government quickly issued a circular telling the members of the public to discountenance the news.

“But as we speak, they are paying no less than N130,000; this is excluding hostel requirements.

“It is difficult for parents to cope with this kind of situation; we had expected that the government would consider the plight of parents but that has not happened,” he lamented.

Meanwhile, it was observed that some parents are withdrawing their wards from private schools owing to their inability to pay the adjusted fees.

The post Fees Hike: Parents Groan As Schools Resume appeared first on Jomog.

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Education

1ST NIGERIAN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS CONFERENCE ON UN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGS) ESSAY COMPETITION

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The 1st Nigerian Tertiary Institutions Conference on UN SDGs presents the SDG Youth Essay Competition, offering undergraduates in Nigerian tertiary institutions a chance to contribute to the discussion on achieving SDG4, Quality Education.

Competition Overview:

1st Nigerian Tertiary Institutions Conference on UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Essay Competition

The SDG Youth Essay Competition offers a grand prize of N1 million for the top three winners, along with free sponsorship to attend the 1st Nigeria Tertiary Institution Conference on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in April 2024 in Abuja.

Competition Requirements:

1. Eligibility:

   – Open exclusively to undergraduates in Nigerian tertiary institutions.

2. Entry Guidelines:

   – Topic:The Role of Students in Attainment of SDG4

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   – length: Essays should be 1500 words.

   – Entry Period: Thursday, February 1, 2024 – Thursday, February 29, 2024

   – Referencing: APA Style (6th Edition).

   – Font: Times New Roman, 12-point font size.

   – Documentation: Typed in 1.5 line spacing, MS Word format only.

   – Plagiarism: Only original content is accepted; plagiarized entries will be disqualified.

Benefits:

– Prizes:

  – 1st Prize: N500,000

  – 2nd Prize: N300,000

  – 3rd Prize: N200,000

– Winners will also receive free sponsorship to attend the 1st Nigeria Tertiary Institution Conference on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in April 2024 in Abuja.

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Required Documents:

– Student’s Institution ID Card

– Copy of Student’s Admission Letter

– One recent passport-size photograph

– WhatsApp telephone number and email address

Application Procedure:

– All entries and submissions (essay and required documents) should be scanned and sent to nigeriaessay@sdgyouth.org before the deadline.

For Further Inquiries:

– Call: 08068931151, 08133846739, 07067772964

– Email: nigeriaessay@sdgyouth.org

Deadline: February 29th, 2024

Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute to achieving SDG4 and win exciting prizes. Submit your entry and required documents before the deadline. For any inquiries, feel free to contact them via phone or email.

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Education

PENTAGON PARTNERS NATIONAL ESSAY COMPETITION FOR UNDERGRADUATE LAW STUDENTS

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Are you an undergraduate law student in Nigeria eager to explore the intersection of law and Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Pentagon Partners presents a unique opportunity for 400-level and 500-level undergraduate law students to participate in the National Essay Competition.

Competition Overview:

Pentagon Partners National Essay Competition for Undergraduate Law Students

The National Essay Competition invites undergraduate law students to showcase their expertise and contribute to the discourse on AI, privacy, and data protection. In addition to cash prizes, participants have the chance to intern with Pentagon Partners, gaining valuable hands-on experience.

Competition Requirements:

1. Eligibility:

   – The competition is open to 400-level and 500-level undergraduate law students in Nigerian universities.

2. Essay Requirements:

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   – Length: Essays should not exceed 1500 words.

   – Format: Double spaced, 12pt Times New Roman font.

   – References: OSCOLA format for citations with 10pt font size for footnotes and endnotes.

   – Submission Format: Essays must be submitted in PDF format.

   – Entrant Details: Include full names, school, level, phone number, and email address in both the body of the email and on the last page of the essay.

   – Single Entry: Each entrant is allowed only one submission.

   – Originality: Plagiarism will result in automatic disqualification.

Competition Benefits and Timeline:

1. Prizes:

   – Winner: N200,000

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   – 1st Runner Up: N150,000

   – 2nd Runner Up: N100,000

2. Internship Opportunity:

   – In addition to cash prizes, winners have the exclusive opportunity to intern with Pentagon Partners, enhancing their career prospects.

Application Procedure:

– Interested participants should submit their essays to essay@pentagonpartnerslp.com during the submission period.

– The subject of the email should be the Essay topic

For additional information and updates, visit www.pentagonpartnerslp.com.

Deadline: March 22nd, 2024

Don’t miss this chance to showcase your legal expertise, contribute to important discussions on AI and law, and vie for enticing cash prizes. Pentagon Partners looks forward to receiving your submissions.

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Education

SYSTEMSPECS CHILDREN’S DAY ESSAY COMPETITION (CDEC), 2024

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The SystemSpecs Children’s Day Essay Competition (CDEC) is an annual event aimed at fostering innovative thinking among primary and secondary school students in Nigeria. It provides a platform for young minds to propose technological solutions to national challenges.

Purpose:
Inaugurated in 2020, the CDEC is part of SystemSpecs’ Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitment to promoting capacity development in the Nigerian ICT industry. By encouraging young Nigerians to tackle everyday issues, the competition contributes to intellectual growth and societal progress.

SystemSpecs Children’s Day Essay Competition (CDEC), 2024

Topic:
The theme for the 2024 competition is “Protecting the Nigerian Child from the Dangers of Online Technology.” Participants are tasked with exploring strategies to safeguard children in an increasingly digital world.

Eligibility:
– Open to primary and secondary school students in Nigeria aged 9 to 16.

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– Junior category (ages 9 to 12) essays must not exceed 1,000 words.

– Senior category (ages 13 to 16) essays must not exceed 1,500 words.

Prizes:

– Winners will receive generous rewards, including a high-capacity laptop, premium headphones, a portable laptop stand, a smart wristwatch, and one year of internet data, among other items.

– Consolation prizes will be awarded to other participants.

Application Process:

– Interested candidates should access the application page 

– Essays must be written in English and reflect original thought.

– Each participant is limited to one entry.

– Entries must be endorsed by an accredited school official, parent, or legal guardian.

– Deadline for submissions is April 12, 2024.

Submission Guidelines:

– All submissions must be in PDF format and include the student’s name, home and school addresses, email address, and contact phone number.

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– Double entries will result in automatic disqualification.

– Submissions must be received by March 15, 2024, at 5:00 p.m.

Notification of Winners:

– Successful students and schools will be contacted in the second quarter of the year.

– Updates on winners will be announced on @nercng social media platforms.

The SystemSpecs Children’s Day Essay Competition offers a unique opportunity for Nigerian students to demonstrate their creativity and problem-solving skills. By addressing the theme of online child protection, participants contribute to building a safer and more secure digital environment for all. We encourage eligible students to seize this opportunity and showcase their talent and ingenuity.

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