The Edo State Government has announced the postponement of school resumption, citing the recent surge in petrol prices and the difficulties parents and guardians face.
While schools across most parts of Nigeria were scheduled to resume on Monday, September 9, a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Ojo Akin-Longe, confirmed that all public and private schools in the state will remain closed “until further notice.”
The statement read, “An official directive has postponed the resumption of schools due to the growing tension from the fuel price hike and the challenges confronting parents and guardians.”
The government has urged parents, guardians, and caregivers to closely monitor their children’s activities during this period, given the rising concerns over the economic situation.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) recently raised the pump price of petrol to ₦855 per liter at its retail outlets, which has led to further price increases by independent petroleum marketers, with some charging over ₦900 per liter. Black market operators have reportedly sold fuel for more than ₦1000 per liter, contributing to widespread hardship across the country.
The postponement aims to alleviate some of the stress on families during these challenging times.