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By Lizzy Chirkpi
A growing concern over the rising cost of transporting students to and from schools has prompted a call for urgent policy direction from the Federal Ministry of Education on the adoption of hybrid learning systems across the country.
In a letter dated April 12, 2026, and addressed to the Minister of Education, Tunji, Alausa, Executive Director of a Private Educational Institution, Akin Fapohunda urged the ministry to provide strategic guidance on restructuring school operations in response to mounting economic pressures.
Fapohunda noted that the traditional model of daily physical attendance in schools is becoming increasingly unsustainable, particularly due to escalating fuel prices that have significantly driven up transportation costs for schools and parents alike.
According to him, his institution spent approximately ₦750,000 weekly on fueling school buses last term when petrol sold at about ₦800 per litre. With current prices exceeding ₦1,300 per litre, he warned that schools face a looming financial crisis ahead of the new academic term.
“How will schools cope? How will parents react to the very obvious necessity of charging more for transportation?” he queried.
The education expert traced the evolution of Nigeria’s school transportation system, noting that prior to the 1970s, most pupils walked to nearby schools within their communities.
However, urban expansion and lifestyle changes in the post-oil boom era made daily transportation the norm—a model now under strain due to economic realities.
He linked the rising fuel costs to global geopolitical tensions, particularly the ongoing tensions between Iran and the United States, which continue to impact energy prices worldwide.
To address the challenge, Fapohunda proposed the adoption of a hybrid schooling system that combines in-person instruction with structured home-based learning. Under this model, students would attend physical classes for a maximum of three days a week, with the remaining days dedicated to supervised remote learning.
He argued that such an approach would reduce transportation costs, ease urban traffic congestion, and promote independent learning among students.
While acknowledging that expanding boarding school facilities remains a viable long-term solution, he emphasized the need for immediate, cost-effective alternatives that leverage modern teaching methods.
Fapohunda further called on the ministry to issue a comprehensive policy framework outlining standards and implementation strategies for hybrid education. He highlighted key areas requiring guidance, including curriculum adaptation, teacher training, access to digital and non-digital learning tools, equity considerations, and monitoring mechanisms.
“Proactive policy leadership in this regard would not only provide immediate relief to families and schools but also position Nigeria’s education system for greater resilience and adaptability,” he stated.
The appeal comes amid broader concerns about the rising cost of living in Nigeria and its impact on access to quality education, with stakeholders increasingly urging innovative solutions to sustain learning without overburdening parents.
As schools prepare for the next academic term, attention now turns to the Federal Ministry of Education and its potential response to what many see as a timely and necessary reform proposal.