education

Danger Looms as High School Fees Prevent Many Bauchi Children from Resuming Classes

Published

10 months ago

October 4, 2024

milcah

As the new academic session begins, thousands of school-age children in Bauchi State face challenges in resuming classes due to a steep rise in school fees. Parents who previously managed to send their children to private schools are now struggling to cope with new term fees, which have surged from between N20,000 and N28,000 to N46,000 and N63,000 per child. This drastic increase has raised alarm among education stakeholders, parents, and policymakers, who warn of dire consequences if these children remain out of school.

Bauchi State already has one of the highest numbers of out-of-school children in Nigeria, with 1.2 million reported by a UNESCO 2022 report. Although the state government claims to have reduced this figure by 521,000, many children continue to be pushed out of school by unaffordable fees, which the average parent in Bauchi cannot meet.

Aisha Aliyu, a mother of three, shared her struggles, stating that her children have been unable to return to school since early September due to the increased fees. “I was shocked when I got to the school and was told that the fees had doubled,” she said. “We couldn’t afford it, so I had to withdraw two and let the little girl remain in school with the little money I had planned to use to pay for all three of them.”

Aisha explained her plan to enroll her older children in a public school, despite concerns about the lack of facilities. “Even then, the children will still have to wait for the second term to resume school because we currently do not have a Kobo at home,” she added. “Everything is expensive now; eating one meal these days is a miracle.”

Many families, especially those with children in private schools, are grappling with the rising costs of both school fees and supplies, which were more affordable a year ago.

Despite these challenges, Bauchi State’s Commissioner of Education, Dr. Jamila Dahiru, asserted that school enrollment had increased and that the state aims to be a model for others. “The Ministry of Education, along with the Special Schools Board and State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), oversees 5,342 schools, including 3,854 primary schools, 1,038 junior secondary schools, and 450 senior secondary schools,” she stated.

However, a top official, speaking on condition of anonymity, attributed the fee increases to inflation and rising costs. Critics argue that the government must seek alternative funding solutions. “We are reviewing the school fee policy to ensure it is equitable and accessible to all,” the official noted. “We are committed to providing quality education, but we need to balance costs with affordability.”

Ibrahim Ahmed, Executive Director of a Bauchi-based NGO, emphasized the urgency of the situation: “We’ve seen a significant increase in the number of out-of-school children, affecting the most vulnerable communities. We need urgent action to address this crisis.”

As conditions worsen, Bauchi State faces a critical need for immediate intervention to prevent an uneducated and lost generation among its youth, who represent the future of the community.

education

UNILORIN VC hails AbdulSamad Rabiu on 65th birthday

Published

5 days ago

August 7, 2025

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole (SAN), has congratulated the Chairman/Chief Executive of BUA Group, Alhaji AbdulSamad Rabiu, CON, on his 65th birthday.

Prof. Egbewole, in a statement issued by the University’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr Kunle Akogun, described the Kano-born business magnate as a blessing to Nigeria and humanity.

The Vice Chancellor noted that Alhaji Rabiu’s hard work, patriotism, and spirit of giving deserve to be emulated in order for the nation to produce more of those who will always think beyond their personal interests.

Prof. Egbewole, who lauded the prominent businessman’s numerous contributions to the growth and development of Nigeria over the years, specifically thanked Alhaji Rabiu for his relentless support to several educational institutions in the country, adding that the University of Ilorin, in particular, would continue to be grateful to him for the 3,000-seater amphitheater he is currently building at the University.

Prof. Egbewole wished Alhaji Rabiu many more years of sound health, happiness, and continuous service to humanity.

End

education

BREAKING: WAEC Releases 2025 WASSCE Results

Published

1 week ago

August 4, 2025

Our Reporter

By: Fabian Apechihin

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has officially released the results of the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for school candidates.

In a statement posted on X on Monday, August 4, 2025, WAEC announced that candidates who sat for the examination can now check their results online.

“The West African Examinations Council is pleased to inform candidates who sat WASSCE for School Candidates, 2025, that the results have officially been released today, Monday, August 4, 2025,” the statement read.

Candidates are urged to visit the Council’s result portal at www.waecdirect.org to access their performance.

More details to follow…

education

EFCC Chair to Youths: Shun Cybercrime, other criminality

Published

2 weeks ago

July 31, 2025

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has called on Nigerian youths to harness their talents and energy for ventures that bring honour to the nation rather than engaging in social vices, including cybercrime, which ultimately result in regret and disgrace.

Speaking at a youth empowerment programme in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, organised by Faitheroic Generation (FHG), Olukoyede warned that criminal activities, particularly internet fraud, might appear lucrative at first but always end in tears for perpetrators.

Faitheroic Generation is a national youth empowerment organisation dedicated to building financially independent young Nigerians through freelancing, digital skills, and ethical network marketing in line with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“There is dignity in labour. Shortcuts through cybercrime may seem attractive, but they destroy futures and reputations. Nigeria’s youths must rise above these temptations and use their potential to build a country they can be proud of,” Olukoyede said.

Addressing over 400 youths, the EFCC boss, who was represented by Ayodele Babatunde, Head, Public Affairs Department of the EFCC, Ilorin Zonal Directorate, stressed that unemployment should never be an excuse for criminality.

“We understand the challenges young people face, but cybercrime is not a solution. You have gifts and skills that can thrive legitimately. Channel them into productive ventures, and you will enjoy lasting fulfilment,” he added.

The EFCC Chair further urged the youths to partner with the EFCC in its mission to restore Nigeria’s global image, noting that the activities of internet fraudsters had brought severe damage to the country’s reputation at home and abroad.

He concluded with a rousing slogan: “Integrity is Strength, Hardwork is Wealth, Accountability is power – Say No to Corruption!”.

In his lecture titled “Staying Safe Online and Preventing Cybercrime”, an Assistant Commander of the EFCC, James Allison, who heads the Advance Fee Fraud Section of the Ilorin Directorate, admonished the youths to be wary of becoming tools for money laundering or falling prey to fraudulent online investment scams.

“Fraudsters are increasingly exploiting people’s lack of understanding of virtual assets,” Allison warned. “They promise outrageous returns on investments, build convincing but fake trading platforms, and disappear with victims’ funds once they succeed.”

He urged participants to research thoroughly before investing in any platform, verify regulatory compliance, and avoid unsolicited offers that sound too good to be true.

“Always crosscheck investment opportunities with credible sources, ask the right questions, and never share your bank accounts for dubious transactions. Once you allow criminals to use your account, you become a complicit partner in crime,” he explained.

Allison’s lecture underscored practical steps to stay safe online, from protecting personal data and using secure digital platforms to reporting suspicious activities through the EFCC’s Eagle Eye App.

The programme ended with an interactive session where youths asked questions about legitimate business opportunities and ways to work with the EFCC in combating cybercrime.

End