Youth Advocate for Change Urges Tinubu to Reassess Fuel Price Increase Amid School Resumption Concerns
Adeola Ogunlade, the Team Lead of Youth Advocate for Change (YAFC), is calling on President Bola Tinubu to reconsider the recent rise in petrol prices. This appeal comes as the new school term approaches, with concerns about the financial strain on Nigerian families.
Ogunlade warned that the fuel price hike could have severe implications for children’s education. The surge in transportation costs may make it difficult for many students to attend school. Families could face increased expenses whether they drive their children to school or rely on school buses, potentially affecting those with multiple children or those living at a distance from their schools.
He expressed concern that this hike could exacerbate the problem of out-of-school children, currently estimated at 20 million. Rising fuel costs might force many students to walk long distances, further undermining efforts to keep them in school.
“The cost of school buses, which are crucial for daily student transport, is likely to rise significantly,” Ogunlade noted. “With buses operating multiple times a day, the increased cost of fuel will make their operations unsustainable, leading to higher expenses for parents.”
Ogunlade also highlighted that public transportation, already under pressure from the price increase, may not be a feasible option for many families. The surge in transport fares and the difficulty of switching schools add to the burden.
Moreover, the impact of rising fuel prices extends to schools themselves. Increased costs for fueling generators and operating cooling systems are straining school budgets, impacting the quality of the learning environment.
Ogunlade also pointed out that the financial strain on families could extend to their ability to provide adequate meals and prepare children for school. While he acknowledged the challenge of maintaining fuel subsidies, he urged that the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) be fully implemented and that corruption in the oil sector be addressed to better protect vulnerable Nigerians.
