Schools Reopen Nationwide as Parents Fear Safety, Rising Education Costs
Hussaini Ibrahim 
(By Hussaini Ibrahim, Oluwafunbi Bello and Koko Maxwella)
ABUJA / KANO, Nigeria – As basic and secondary schools reopen across Nigeria this week and next, classrooms return to life amid growing anxiety from parents over school safety, rising costs and the country’s harsh economic climate.
Across Abuja and Kano, parents, teachers and experts tell Africa Health Report (AHR) that while schools are preparing academically, concerns about security, infrastructure and students’ psychological readiness dominate conversations ahead of resumption.
At Government Secondary School (GSS), Unguwa-Uku, Kano, the Parent-Teacher Association Chairman, Ibrahim Sale Aliyu, assures parents that the school is ready for the new term. He says both academic and administrative arrangements are complete.
“The school is ready, and we expect students to resume on time and take their studies seriously,” Aliyu says. “Parents also have a responsibility to ensure their children comply with school rules.”
Aliyu warns that late resumption or poor conduct will attract disciplinary measures, stressing the need for collective responsibility between parents and school authorities.
AHR observations show freshly cleaned surroundings and newly painted classroom blocks at the school, aimed at creating a more conducive learning environment for students and teachers.
In Kubwa, Abuja, private schools also intensify preparations. At King’s Gems School, teachers resume duties a week early to assess facilities and address safety concerns. A teacher, Miss Adebimpe Daso, says early resumption allows staff to make the school environment safe and welcoming.
“The teachers have been coming to school to tidy up and remove damaged tables and chairs,” she explains. “Security personnel are also briefed ahead of the pupils’ arrival.”
While schools prepare, many parents struggle to meet the financial demands of resumption. Mrs Tina, a hairdresser whose child attends Seat of Excellent Academy, Kubwa, says balancing school expenses with slow business is difficult.
“My business has been slow, but I saved during the festive period to buy uniforms and school items,” she says, adding that school fees remain her biggest worry.
For parents with multiple children, the pressure is heavier. Mr Ibe, a chemist with three school-aged children, says early planning is the only way to cope.
“They all have inter-house sports and career day this term. I have to buy sportswear, replace bags and get stationery,” he says.
Beyond costs, safety concerns take centre stage. Mrs Evelyn Jonathan, a civil servant and mother of three, says physical security should be prioritised before resumption.
“Before books and uniforms, I want to be sure my children are safe. Some schools still have broken fences and poor supervision,” she says.
An education psychologist, Dr Ayuba Idris, warns that reopening schools without adequate preparation undermines learning outcomes.
“According to Abraham Maslow’s theory, safety is a basic human need. If it is not met, learning cannot take place effectively,” he explains.
Dr Idris adds that children resuming school without basic materials due to financial hardship may suffer low self-esteem and emotional distress, which can impede learning.
As the new term begins, stakeholders agree that reopening schools must go beyond calendars and announcements, requiring safety, affordability and collaboration to ensure children return to environments truly ready for learning.
About the Author
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
Oluwafunbi Bello 
Mirian Gom 