By Mercy Ifabumuyi,
Tomiwa Akinbamire,
Inioluwa Borrofice
& Olayinka Awe
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As primary and secondary schools in Ondo State prepare to resume for the 2023/2024 academic session, parents and guardians have raised alarm over increase in prices of textbooks, stationery and other school items.
A recent market survey by The Hope revealed that the increased market prices of school materials were due to current inflation occasioned by the removal of subsidy on premium motor spirit (petrol).
The survey revealed that the price of a dozen higher education notes has increased from N5000 to N6000 while price of a dozen of 40 and 60 leaves notebooks increased from N1500 and N2000 to N1700 and N2500, respectively.
A pack of pens price increased from N500 to N700 while small-sized water bottles are sold for N2000 against N1500.
The prices of school bags also increased from N4000 (small size) and N5000 (big size) to N5000 and N7000 respectively.
A table and chair for secondary school students costs between N7,000 and N10,000.
Other prices of items such as sandals, stockings, Mathematical sets, textbooks, storybooks, and rulers have also increased.
Some parents who spoke with The Hope lamented that sending their wards to school had added to the economic burdens currently being felt in the country.
Mrs. Adefusi Tola from Idanre, Ondo State who has children in primary and secondary schools, said the prices of books, uniforms and sandals are unaffordable in the market.
“I’m still trying to wait a bit to see if things will eventually get better before the resumption date. Otherwise, I will let my children use their old formal books and uniform for the main time since I can’t afford new ones now,” she said.
Similarly, Mrs Adesuyan Busola said that the last time she bought a 40 leaves notebook, it was N100 for one but had increased to N250, stressing that now she could not buy enough books for her children.
Another parent, Felicia Balogun, who envisaged the new increase in prices of school items, had to begin preparation for school resumption earlier to avoid being cut unaware.
