By Francis Nansak, Lafia

There was low turnout in both public and private schools across Nasarawa State on the first day of resumption for the new academic term, as economic hardship forced many parents to keep their children and wards at home.

Checks by our correspondent in Keffi, Kokona, and Karu Local Government Areas revealed largely empty classrooms, with only a handful of students and teachers present.

Mr. Sunday James, a civil servant in Keffi, said many parents were unable to send their children back to school because salaries had not been paid.

“Some of us are salary earners. Even when salaries are paid, the first priority now is feeding because of the high cost of food items. School expenses have become a big burden,” he said.

In Kokona LGA, most students were reportedly in their farms, leaving school premises nearly empty with only a few teachers seated in staff rooms awaiting pupils.

In Karu LGA, some private schools had commenced lessons, but with scanty attendance as many parents complained of inability to afford school fees, uniforms, and other materials.

The situation has heightened concerns over the impact of the current economic situation on education in the state.

Meanwhile, the Nasarawa State Government, through the State Ministry of Education, had earlier issued a circular to all schools across the state announcing the date for resumption of academic activities.

It would be recalled that at a meeting recently in Lafia,the Commissioner for Education ,Dr John W.D Mamman urged principals in the state to ensure accurate school census update of 2025/2026, avoid encroachment on school lands and mandate Tree planting in the school premises,as well as present accurate data enrolment.

” Lete also urged all principals to maintaining of sanitation and protecting school structure and furniture,as well as proper protection of Agile structure” Dr John reiterated.