The removal of fuel subsidy in Nigeria has created serious socioeconomic effects especially for low-income and rural households. This is a literature-based study of the effect of the removal palliatives on student retention and attendance in secondary schools in rural areas with a view to finding the effect of subsidy-removal. The review brings together conceptual, theoretical and empirical evidence about the interactions between economic shocks, household welfare and educational participation. Findings from empirical studies made across Nigeria show that removal of subsidies increase the cost of transport, household expenditure and opportunity costs which collectively increase low school attendance of students and risk dropping out. Government palliatives, such as cash transfers, transport support, and food assistance, are intended to reduce the effects of these impacts. However, there is evidence to show that poor targeting, logistical inefficiencies and limited coverage limit the effectiveness of such measures. This review also identifies the particular vulnerability of rural school population based on their longer travel and costs, low household income and changes of or the community’s dependence on informal economic activities. Overall, it is emphasized in the literature about the importance of context specific and well-coordinated palliative strategies with a complimentary documentary complete involving community and through schools and monitoring systems to ensure continuity in education. Effective implementation of subsidy removal palliatives can improve student retention and attendance so that the poor segments of rural secondary schools are not affected adversely by economic reforms.
Keywords: School Attendance, fuel subsidy removal, palliative measures, rural education, student retention
