By Oluwakemi Kindness
Education stakeholders have called for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s education sector, citing overcrowded classrooms, decaying infrastructure, inadequate learning materials, and poor support for children.
The concerns were raised in an exclusive interview with Democracy Radio correspondent Oluwakemi Kindness on Wednesday, to mark the 2026 Children’s Day celebration.
According to the stakeholders, many Nigerian children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds and rural communities, still struggle to access quality education despite existing government policies on inclusive learning.
Overcrowded Classrooms Hindering Inclusive Education — Atinuke Kembi
A teacher Atinuke Kembi said many public schools lack the facilities, trained teachers, and learning materials needed to properly support inclusive education.
According to her, overcrowded classrooms remain one of the biggest barriers to effective learning, with some teachers managing more than 100 pupils in a single classroom.
“In situations like this, it becomes difficult to give individual attention to children, especially those with learning difficulties or disabilities,” she said.
Kembi noted that poor classroom conditions, inadequate furniture, lack of teaching aids, and limited sanitation facilities continue to affect teaching and learning outcomes across many schools.
She further stressed that children in rural and low-income communities are often left behind because of poverty, insecurity, and lack of nearby school facilities.
Fedora Darlington Calls for Increased Funding, Better Teachers
Another teacher Fedora Darlington called for stronger government investment in education, including improved infrastructure, recruitment of qualified teachers, and better implementation of inclusive education policies.
She stressed the need for expanded school feeding programmes, scholarships, affordable learning materials, and specialized support services for children with disabilities.
“Education should not be a privilege for anyone; it should be a right enjoyed by every Nigerian child,” she said.
Students Lament Poor Toilets, Dirty Environment, Lack of Laboratories
Some students who spoke during the interview also highlighted the daily challenges they face in school environments.
According to them, many schools lack experienced teachers, functional laboratories, and clean learning environments needed for effective education.
One of the students, Peculiar Oluwamoto, said the absence of proper laboratory facilities prevented students from carrying out practical learning.
“We don’t usually go to the lab because our laboratory is not well equipped,” she stated.
She also decried the unhygienic condition of the school environment and poor toilet facilities, noting that the situation creates an uncomfortable atmosphere for learning.
“The school environment and toilets are often unhygienic, making learning conditions difficult for students,” another student said.
They further appealed for lower school fees and more experienced teachers to improve the quality of education available to children.
Parents Should Prioritise Affordable Quality Education — Elizabeth Atte
Speaking from a parent’s perspective, Elizabeth Atte said the current economic situation continues to shape educational choices in many Nigerian households.
She urged parents to prioritise education based on their financial capacity rather than yielding to social pressure associated with expensive private schools.
“You don’t have to break the bank before your children can access quality education. If private schools are too expensive, there are public schools where children can still get fair education,” she said.
Atte warned that repeatedly withdrawing children from school because of unpaid fees could negatively affect their academic performance and emotional wellbeing.
UNICEF Warns COVID-19 Deepened Child Rights Crisis in Nigeria
Meanwhile, the United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, also warned that Nigerian children continue to face growing threats to their rights and development.
In a statement marking Children’s Day, UNICEF Country Director, Peter Hawkins, described the COVID-19 pandemic as a “child rights crisis” that deepened poverty, inequality, and violence against children
According to him, disruptions caused by the pandemic affected access to education, healthcare, and protection services, especially for vulnerable children.
“Violence is perpetrated against one in four Nigerian children, and one in three Nigerian girls are sexually abused. This has only increased during the pandemic,” Hawkins said.
He stressed the need for stronger child protection systems and innovative solutions to ensure continuous learning for children regardless of their location or circumstances.
“A learning continuum is critical, so that all children continue to get an education irrespective of their situation, location, or the pandemic,” he added.
Calls for Urgent Education Reforms Across Nigeria
The stakeholders collectively urged government authorities, development partners, and communities to prioritize education and invest in systems that guarantee equal opportunities for every Nigerian child.
