States pledge quality education as schools resume today

Primary and secondary schools across many states of the country will today reopen for the first term of the 2025/2026 academic session, with state governments assuring parents and pupils of a smooth resumption and quality learning environment.

As pupils return to classrooms, scenes are expected to differ across schools. While some children will meet newly renovated buildings, freshly supplied desks, and improved facilities, others will return to dilapidated classrooms, bushy compounds, and scattered furniture. For many schools, lessons and revision will commence immediately; for others, the opening day will be devoted to cleaning and preparation before academic activities fully resume.

In Ondo State, the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, said all arrangements had been concluded for resumption.

“All schools (primary and secondary) are resuming tomorrow. The heads of schools are aware, the teachers are aware, and all schools are set. They have carried out their pre-resumption meetings on Thursday and Friday, so they are ready to receive students,” Ajibefun said in a statement on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the senator representing Ondo North Senatorial District, Jide Ipinsagba, boosted learning in Akoko South-East and South-West constituencies with the donation of educational materials.

One hundred students from JSS1 to SSS2 received school bags containing textbooks in English and Mathematics, mathematical sets, exercise books, and pens.

The Ekiti State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Olabimpe Aderiye, confirmed that both public and private schools would resume today.

She said, “The first-term academic calendar will run for 13 weeks, beginning on Monday, 15th September 2025, and ending on Friday, 12th December 2025. The state government remains dedicated to policies and programmes geared towards improving teaching, learning, and overall academic performance of students in the state in local and national examinations.”

In Ogun State, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, reminded school administrators that the government’s free education policy remains in place.

He warned, “No school administrator must charge any fees or send students away for not paying such fees. Parents and old students can voluntarily support schools, but such support should not be imposed and schools should not be involved.”

Arigbabu added that pre-resumption meetings had been held with stakeholders—including school administrators, private owners, unions, parents, alumni associations, and security agencies—to ensure a smooth session. He also urged teachers to show greater dedication and students to devote themselves to their studies.

In Oyo State, officials of the Ministry of Education debunked rumours of a postponement, insisting that schools would reopen today in line with the official 2025/2026 calendar.

In Lagos, the harmonised calendar showed that the first half of the term would run from September 15 to October 31 (34 days), while the second half would run from November 10 to December 19 (30 days).

The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Alli-Balogun, in a goodwill message to pupils, urged them to embrace learning with zeal.

On behalf of the Lagos State Government, we extend a warm welcome to all students as we resume for the 2025/2026 academic session. As you return to your classrooms, we encourage you to approach this new session with enthusiasm, dedication, and a thirst for knowledge. May this academic year bring you opportunities for growth, discovery, and excellence,” he said.