Teachers, pupils prepare for school resumption in Lagos, Delta, other states
Teachers, pupils, and parents are eagerly preparing for the resumption of schools across several states today. States such as Lagos, Ogun, Kano, Delta, and Jigawa will see students returning for the second term after the Christmas and New Year holidays.
The Kano State Government announced that all public and private boarding schools would resume on Sunday, January 5, 2025, while day schools will open on Monday, January 6, 2025. A statement from the state’s Director of Public Enlightenment, Balarabe Kiru, urged parents and guardians to ensure their children return on time for a smooth transition back to school. The state government also warned of disciplinary actions for students who fail to adhere to the resumption dates.
Dr. Ali Makoda, Kano’s Commissioner for Education, emphasised the government’s dedication to promoting quality education and providing an optimal learning environment for students.
In Delta State, both public and private schools are set to reopen on Monday, January 6, 2025. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Augustine Oghoro, urged teachers to rededicate themselves to improving educational standards.
The Commissioner for Secondary Education, Mrs. Rose Ezewu, alongside her counterpart in Primary Education, will lead monitoring teams to ensure compliance with the resumption directive and to prevent absenteeism among school staff.
Jigawa State has also scheduled Monday, January 6, as the resumption date for both public and private schools, with boarding students returning a day earlier, on Sunday, January 5.
The state’s Commissioner for Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Professor Isa Chamo, assured parents that the government has provided teaching aids to enhance effective learning.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has postponed the resumption date for unity schools nationwide to January 12, 2025, instead of January 5. The Ministry of Education explained that this delay is due to ongoing renovation works at several of the schools. A circular signed by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Nasir Sani-Gwazzo, was distributed to all principals of Federal Unity Colleges.
As the second term begins, the Head of School at Offsprings Ilorin, Kwara State, Alli-Oluwafuyi Lateefat, stressed the importance of collaboration between schools, parents, and students.
“We are excited to receive our students after the holidays, and we expect them to return with renewed energy. Learning can be as enjoyable as play if approached with dedication,” she said.
However, many parents have expressed concerns about rising costs. Mr. Tunbosun Esho, a father of three, noted that the increasing cost of living has made it more challenging to prepare for the new term.
“With the way prices keep rising, getting everything ready for the new term is becoming more difficult. Balancing tuition, transportation, and other bills is not easy,” he explained.
Similarly, Mrs. Nafisat Bakare, a mother of two, mentioned the strain of rising transport fares. “Transport fares have doubled since last term, and it’s a burden. Sometimes you have to choose between essentials and school needs,” she said.
As the second term of the 2024/2025 academic year commences, state governments are encouraging parents, teachers, and students to take proactive steps to ensure a smooth resumption of academic activities.
