Learners Return to School Amid Delayed Release of Capitation: A Growing Crisis

As the second term of the school year nears its end with just five weeks remaining, schools across the country are grappling with a severe financial strain due to the delayed release of government capitation funds. This crisis has not only disrupted learning activities but has also placed an increased financial burden on parents, who are now being asked to cover the shortfall.

The capitation funds, which are critical for sustaining daily operations and ensuring a conducive learning environment, have yet to be disbursed, leaving many schools struggling to remain afloat. The delay has forced school administrations to seek alternative measures to manage their finances, with several institutions now turning to parents to fill the gap.

In an urgent response to the cash crunch, numerous schools have issued notices to parents, demanding that outstanding fees be cleared immediately. The Standard has learned that students with pending balances will not be permitted to attend classes until their dues are settled. This move has sparked concerns among parents and educational stakeholders about the potential disruption to learners’ academic progress.

The financial crisis is further compounded by the ongoing challenges schools face in managing operational costs. Without the timely release of capitation funds, essential activities such as purchasing learning materials, paying non-teaching staff, and maintaining school infrastructure have become increasingly difficult.

Parents, already grappling with the economic impact of the pandemic, are now faced with the added pressure of clearing school fees amidst rising living costs. Many families are finding it challenging to meet these demands, raising fears of increased absenteeism and dropouts if the situation is not addressed promptly.

Education stakeholders are calling on the government to expedite the release of capitation funds to prevent further disruption to the academic calendar. The delay not only threatens the stability of schools but also undermines the quality of education that learners receive.

In the meantime, school administrations are doing their best to manage the crisis, with some resorting to cost-cutting measures and seeking support from local communities. However, these efforts can only go so far without the necessary government intervention.

As the countdown to the end of the second term continues, the urgent need for a resolution becomes more pressing. The government must prioritize the release of capitation funds to ensure that schools can operate effectively and that learners receive the education they deserve without undue financial strain on their families.

The coming weeks will be critical in determining how schools navigate this challenging period. The hope is that swift action will be taken to alleviate the financial pressures and ensure that the academic calendar proceeds without further interruptions.