Rush in Ibadan markets as schools resume, Monday

Markets across Ibadan and other major cities witnessed a heavy rush on Thursday as parents and guardians trooped out to purchase school items ahead of resumption next Monday.

From Gate, Beere to Ogunpa markets in Ibadan, vendors recorded increased patronage as families scrambled to buy uniforms, textbooks, exercise books, bags, socks, shoes and other learning materials.

In a chat with a Nigerian Tribune reporter, many parents complained of sharp increases in prices compared to last term, blaming inflation and rising transport costs.

Mrs Bola Adebayo, a mother of three shopping at bookstores in Beere, complained about the increase in the prices of books in the market.

Mrs Adebayo, who also told the Nigerian Tribune reporter that she had gone to Gbagi Market to get school uniform materials for her children, stated that the prices were now higher compared to what she paid in the previous session.

“Last session, I bought these uniform materials for N9,000. Today, the same ones are N15,000. Books and sandals have also doubled. But we have no choice, school must resume on Monday.”

Another parent, Mrs Khadijat Muhammed, who was seen buying socks at Ogunpa Market, said the rush started since last weekend.

“You can see the crowd. Everybody wants to finish early so their children won’t resume late. The prices are high, but we are managing.”

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Also, in a separate interview, traders said sales had tripled in the past one week, with most parents buying in bulk.

Tolulope Lawal, a dealer in school uniforms at Ogunpa Market, said: “Since last week, we have not rested. Parents are rushing because schools are resuming Monday. The demand for primary and secondary school uniforms is very high.”

Mr Kola Oduwole, a bookseller, added that exercise books, calculators and stationery were the fastest-selling items.

He said, “Exercise books, calculators and stationery were the fastest-selling items. Parents are buying everything at once.”

Meanwhile, the Oyo State Government had since announced Monday, September 14, 2026, as the resumption date for the 2026/2027 academic session in public and private schools across the state.