JOS — Education stakeholders in Jos have called for stronger student support measures as economic pressures continue to affect learners and their families. Residents and community representatives said practical assistance was needed to help students remain in school and reduce the financial difficulties facing households.
The cost of education has remained a concern for many families, with expenses covering tuition, learning materials, transportation, accommodation and other basic needs. Stakeholders said students from low-income households were particularly vulnerable when families struggled to meet these costs.
Community representatives said a well-structured student support scheme could help reduce some of the pressure. They called for assistance that would reach students based on clear and transparent criteria while ensuring that available resources were distributed fairly.
Stakeholders also highlighted the importance of learning materials. Students without adequate textbooks, digital devices or other educational resources can face difficulties keeping pace with their classmates. Support programmes, they said, should therefore consider both direct financial assistance and access to essential learning tools.
Digital learning has also become increasingly important in education. Students are using smartphones, computers and online platforms to access academic materials, communicate with teachers and complete assignments. However, the cost of devices, electricity and internet data can make digital learning difficult for some households.
Residents urged institutions and relevant authorities to consider these challenges when designing student support programmes. They said assistance should reflect the different circumstances of students rather than relying on a single form of intervention.
Students also called for clearer information about available support. Stakeholders said eligible beneficiaries should be able to easily understand application requirements, deadlines and the process for receiving assistance. Transparent communication could help reduce confusion and prevent students from missing opportunities.
Community leaders stressed the need for proper monitoring of support programmes. They said authorities should maintain accurate records of beneficiaries and regularly assess whether assistance was producing the intended results. Effective monitoring, they added, would also help reduce the risk of resources being diverted from their intended purpose.
Education stakeholders said student support should extend beyond financial assistance. Academic counselling, mentorship and career guidance could help students deal with academic pressures and make better decisions about their education and future employment.
The scheme could also provide opportunities for collaboration between educational institutions, government agencies, community organisations and private-sector groups. Stakeholders said partnerships could expand the resources available and allow support programmes to reach more students.
Residents maintained that timely action was important. Delays in providing assistance could leave students struggling with basic educational expenses and, in some cases, increase the risk of absenteeism or withdrawal from school.
As attention shifted towards implementation, stakeholders in Jos called for a practical and transparent student support system that would address the financial, academic and digital challenges facing learners. They said regular reviews would be necessary to ensure that the programme remained responsive to changing needs.
The discussions highlighted the importance of keeping students in education despite economic difficulties. Stakeholders expressed hope that stronger support measures would reduce barriers to learning and give more students the opportunity to complete their education successfully.