Nigeria: Students rollerblade to school to save money

GD&TĐ - Because of family difficulties, many Nigerian students have to find ways to save money on transportation to school, such as roller skating.

However, this option carries many risks.

Every morning, 16-year-old Abdullahi Ahmad slips on his worn-out roller skates and travels 8 kilometers to Kano Boys' Secondary School in Kano, Nigeria. With soaring fuel costs beyond his family's means, roller skating has become his only way to get to school. However, this journey is fraught with danger on the busy and treacherous roads.

Abdullahi shared that just a year ago, the cost of commuting to school ranged from 200 to 300 naira. But with soaring fuel prices, that figure has doubled to 500 to 600 naira. For many Nigerian families already struggling with inflation, this seemingly small expense has become a significant barrier.

Unlike many of his peers who chose to drop out of school, Abdullahi decided to use the roller skating skills he learned in childhood to attend school. His roller skates became a "free" means of transportation, helping him maintain his education.

On roads filled with trucks, motorbikes, and speeding cars, a teenager in roller skates looks incredibly small.

Abdullahi recalled, "Once, I encountered a truck driver who suddenly made a U-turn. I had to quickly pull over to the side of the road and stand there for a long time because I was so scared. My heart was pounding, and all I could think about was being hit."

Alarmingly, there are currently no regulations or safety measures in place for roller skaters on the streets of Nigeria. Without helmets or dedicated lanes, Abdullahi's daily commute on roller skates is a gamble with his life.

Despite facing danger every day, Abdullahi refuses to give up. He still dreams of becoming a doctor in the future to escape the cycle of poverty and contribute to the community. Abdullahi affirms: “I prioritize my studies above all else. I know it’s risky, but I can’t skip class. I want to be a doctor and I won’t give up.”

Abdullahi's story reflects a larger reality. Millions of students in developing countries risk having their education interrupted simply because of the cost of transportation. In Nigeria, where the economy is heavily impacted by fluctuating oil prices and a depreciating currency, inflation has directly affected essential needs such as food, transportation, and education.

Recent studies indicate that secondary school dropout rates in Nigeria are increasing, particularly in low-income areas. When transportation costs become unaffordable, many students choose to drop out or start working early to support their families. Abdullahi's perseverance in attending school, despite the difficulties, is a testament to his resilience and belief in the future.

The global economic crisis is posing serious challenges for young people in developing countries. Without policies supporting school transportation, travel scholarships, or infrastructure investment, many more students may be forced to abandon their educational dreams.

While Abdullahi continues to roller skate to school every morning, the image of the little boy in his skates amidst the bustling traffic has become a symbol of aspiration and determination to succeed. But it also serves as a reminder that education , to be truly equitable and sustainable, requires strong support from families, communities, and the government.

Abdullahi's parents, who work precariously in the informal sector, admit they can no longer afford it. The mother shared, "There are days when we wake up empty-handed, without enough money to cover basic living expenses. We are well aware of the dangers, but we are forced to send our child to school this way, with careful instructions and prayers."

According to DW

Source: https://giaoducthoidai.vn/nigeria-hoc-sinh-truot-patin-den-truong-de-tiet-kiem-chi-phi-post746461.html