By Michael Adeyemo
As students in Oyo State prepare for the resumption of 2024/2025 academic session, prices of school materials have increased in prices.
Pensioners FM’s Correspondent who visited some book stores at Bere market, Ibadan, reports that the prices of textbooks, notebooks, and other essential academic materials have increased significantly, ranging from 20 to 50 percent, compared to last year’s prices.
Speaking in an interview with Pensioners FM correspondent, Chairman Booksellers Association for Bere, Mapo and Oritamerin, Mr Ajibola Alaba, who attributed the hike in prices to the country’s economic situation, decried low patronage.
Mr Alaba observed that the number of parents coming to purchase school supplies have significantly dropped compared to previous years.
Mr Alaba said a pack of 40-leaf notebook that used to sell for 800 now costs ₦1,800, while a pack of 60-leaf notebook has jumped from ₦1,800 to ₦3,200, while a pack of higher education notebook, has surged to ₦8,000.
Two parents who also spoke said the rising costs of the school items have forced them to focus on buying the most important ones on their children’s lists.
They expressed regret that the prices of books and other learning materials have recorded tremendous increases, adding that most of them have doubled their former prices.
They called on the government to step in and address the situation, so students would not be denied quality education.
