States Vow to Ensure Quality Education as Schools Resume Today

Primary and secondary schools across several states in Nigeria are reopening today for the first term of the 2025/2026 academic session, with state governments assuring parents and pupils of a smooth resumption and improved learning conditions.

As classrooms welcome pupils back, experiences are expected to vary from school to school. Some children will resume in newly renovated buildings with fresh desks and better facilities, while others will return to dilapidated classrooms, overgrown compounds, and scattered furniture. While lessons and revisions will kick off immediately in many schools, others will dedicate the first day to cleaning and preparations before full academic activities begin.

In Ondo State, Commissioner for Education Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun confirmed that all schools were ready for resumption, noting that pre-resumption meetings had been held with teachers and administrators. Meanwhile, Senator Jide Ipinsagba (Ondo North) supported education in Akoko South-East and South-West by donating school bags containing textbooks, mathematical sets, exercise books, and pens to 100 students.

In Ekiti State, Commissioner for Education Dr. Olabimpe Aderiye announced that public and private schools would reopen today, with the first-term calendar scheduled to run from September 15 to December 12, 2025. She stressed the state government’s commitment to improving teaching, learning, and students’ performance in examinations.

In Ogun State, Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu reminded school administrators that the government’s free education policy remains in force. He cautioned against imposing fees or sending students away for non-payment, while noting that voluntary contributions from parents or alumni are welcome. He added that extensive pre-resumption meetings with stakeholders—including school owners, unions, parents, alumni groups, and security agencies—had been held to ensure a smooth start.

Officials of the Oyo State Ministry of Education dismissed rumours of a postponement, confirming that schools would reopen today as scheduled in the state’s official calendar.

In Lagos State, the harmonised school calendar indicated that the first half of the term will run from September 15 to October 31, while the second half will hold from November 10 to December 19. Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Alli-Balogun, in a goodwill message, encouraged pupils to approach the new academic year with enthusiasm. “We urge students to embrace learning with dedication and a thirst for knowledge. May this session bring opportunities for growth, discovery, and excellence,” he said.