Parents are purchasing uniforms, paying tuition, and getting their kids ready for a new school year as public and private schools in Lagos, Ogun, Kwara states, and other regions of the nation reopen on September 15, 2025, for the first term of the 2025–2026 academic year.
However, in addition to books and tuition, education stakeholders are advising parents to focus more on the learning environment for their kids.
Many Nigerian schools still struggle to fulfill basic safety and learning standards, with issues ranging from permeable gates to leaky roofs.
These stakeholders are asking them to put aside their enthusiasm for the start of classes and focus on three important concerns that have a direct impact on their kids’ safety and education: the condition of classrooms, the safety of school buildings, and the issue of packed classrooms.
Resumption, according to experts, should be about preparedness more than just dates on the calendar: are the classrooms secure, are the teachers prepared, and are the kids really protected?
Three education stakeholders were interviewed by Punch Online on Monday, and they offered helpful advice and practical issues for parents as the schools resume.
Infrastructure Decay Hurts Learning
The physical atmosphere of many Nigerian schools, according to Mrs. Lateefat Alli-Oluwafuyi, Head of School at Offspring Ilm School, Ilorin, is one of the biggest barriers to effective learning.
She bemoaned the fact that many schools continue to function with damaged furniture, leaking roofs, fractured walls, and inadequate or nonexistent sanitary facilities.
“Before even opening a book, a child sitting on the floor or beneath a leaky roof feels abandoned by the system,” she told Punch Online.
“Learning should take place in a setting that values comfort and dignity. “Unfortunately, we observe in many schools circumstances that erode children’s self-esteem and deter attendance,” she continued.
She maintained that inadequate facilities have a direct impact on low academic achievement and dropout rates because students are less inclined to stay in settings that make them feel insecure and dehumanized.
Oluwafuyi called on parents to speak out and hold local education authorities responsible, and he asked governments and private school owners to prioritize urgent improvements.
Security Must Be Non-Negotiable
Alhaji Muhammad Adeyemi, the principal of O.LAMURS School of Basic Ethics and Ethnic Studies, emphasized in his own statement that security is still one of the top concerns as classes resume.
He cautioned that schools cannot afford to take safety for granted in a time when kidnappings for ritualistic and ransom reasons are common.
“Many schools lack guards, surrounding fence, and a mechanism to confirm who picks up students at the end of the day. “That’s risky,” he said.
“Parents ought to issue a strong warning: no one should bring their child home against their will.
“Schools must record and strictly enforce the presence of an additional guardian,” he continued.
Concerning the commute to school, he also brought up the fact that some students depend on tricycle drivers, okada passengers, or even unattended school bus drivers.
She went on to say that some of these drivers act carelessly or recklessly, including driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.
“Parents need to carefully consider their transportation options. Never assume that a familiar Okada rider is trustworthy or that a school bus is safe. Ask questions, demand responsibility, and vet drivers,” she suggested.
Overcrowding is a Silent Crisis
Overcrowding is a quiet epidemic that threatens education throughout Nigeria, according to Mr. Kabir Isa, founder of Inventive Tutors, Osogbo.
He pointed out that certain classes, especially those in public schools, can accommodate 80–100 students at once, making it nearly difficult to teach effectively.
“You are storing, not educating, when you cram 90 kids into a space designed for 30.
Children are unable to focus, teachers are unable to provide individualized attention, and the standard of education as a whole declines. You should never undervalue even the health dangers involved,” he stated.
He advised officials to take use of the window to alleviate congestion, even if it means dividing sessions or implementing staggered timetables, while admitting that Osun schools will formally resume on September 22.
He maintained that class size reduction has to be approached urgently.
“Parents need to inquire about the number of students in their child’s class. If a class is too full, they should insist on other options.
He cautioned, “Learning is killed by overcrowding just as much as by inadequate infrastructure or insecurity.”
Experts emphasize that resuming plans must continue to prioritize safety, dignity, and quality as Nigerian children get used to a new school year.
The message to parents is clear: don’t just worry about costs and supplies; furthermore, consider your child’s seat, transportation, and safety.
They all agreed that the enthusiasm of a new term will be eclipsed by the same old problems until schools are made truly safe and conducive.
Key Points for Parents
- Examine your child’s school; poor sanitation, damaged desks, and leaky roofs all have an impact on learning.
- Verify safety precautions: make sure schools record who is permitted to pick up your child.
- Don’t assume that buses or reliable passengers are safe; instead, thoroughly consider your options for transportation.
- Inquire about class sizes; crammed classrooms hinder efficient instruction.
- Hold local authorities and schools accountable.
