PTA, NUT Alarmed By Rising School Dropout Rate Amid Fuel Price Hike

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The Parents Teachers Association (PTA) and the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) have expressed concern over the potential increase in school dropout rates due to the rising cost of bus fares across the country.

The hike in fuel prices has led to a sharp increase in transportation costs, affecting both private and commercial transport operators.

Private schools have also increased the cost of school bus services, adding to the burden on parents.

The National Chairman of the PTA, Alhaji Haruna Danjuma, warned that the rising transportation costs would lead to more student dropouts, emphasizing the hardship faced by parents.

Danjuma called on the government to take urgent action to support parents, ensuring that their children can continue attending school.

He suggested that the government consider providing free transportation in certain areas for schoolchildren to ease the burden on parents.

The Secretary-General of the NUT, Dr. Mike Ike-Ene, expressed concern that teachers would struggle to attend school regularly due to their meager salaries.

Ike-Ene criticized the government for making promises without fulfilling them, leaving teachers to bear the brunt of the economic hardship.

Parents across Lagos State have expressed frustration over the rising transport fares, with some sharing their concerns about the increased cost of school bus services.

A parent in Ikeja, Mrs. Nneka Aderounmu, shared her concerns about the increased school bus bill for her two children, which has risen from N30,000 to N60,000 each.

The Chairman of the School-based Management Committee, Kings College, Jani Ibrahim, advised that a robust public transportation system is essential to support people with limited means.

Ibrahim suggested that the government regulate the public transportation system to make it inclusive and accessible to all, without discrimination.