By Elizabeth Osayande & Ifunanya Ndigwe

The recent demolition of communities such as Makoko, Ekun-Agbo, Sogunro, and some parts of Oworonshoki, coupled with harsh economic realities, has resulted in low turnout of pupils and students in Lagos state.

For areas in Makoko and environs, the demolition exercise by the Lagos State government in December and January, which resulted in many families being displaced and some sleeping on boats even up till now, made many children unable to resume this academic term.

Speaking exclusively to Vanguard, the founder of Mipamawu Children Development Foundation, Amb January Urban Wheduto, said that:” A lot of the children didn’t come because of the demolition, which made many of them to be displaced.”

Also, for the founder of Mawumadoka Orphans and Less Privileged Home/School, Martins Joshua told our correspondent that: “Just thirty per cent of our Children resumed today.”

Inability to pay school fees resulted also in low turn-out of children in schools

While academic activities were scheduled to begin in full, a survey of schools in the Satellite Town area revealed that several students remained at home. It showed that some families are currently negotiating payment plans with school authorities to allow their children to return to class later in the week.

A teacher in Dreamville Schools Satellite Town, Mr Emmanuel, observed that while the resumption was peaceful, the number of pupils in his classroom was not yet at full capacity.

“We have started lessons normally, but about five of my regular students are not yet back. Some of their parents reached out to explain that they are still putting funds together for books and outstanding balances. It is a slow start for the term because the break was short, and there’s economic pressure on these families. We are trying to be patient because we know these are difficult times for everyone,” Mr Emmanuel said.

The situation has left many parents in a dilemma, as they try to prioritise essential household spending alongside education. A parent found at a bus stop along the Navy Town road, Mrs Ifeoma, explained that she had to delay the resumption of two of her children.

“I managed to send my eldest daughter because she has a lot of syllabus to cover, but her brothers are at home for now. The transport fare from our house to the school has increased again, and when you add that to the new price of exercise books, the money I have is just not enough. I am hoping that by the middle of the month, I will be able to settle their fees so they can join their mates. It is not that we don’t want them in school, I just don’t have the money right now,” Mrs Ifeoma noted.

For some students, the delay in resumption is a concern as they worry about falling behind in their studies. A JSS2 student, Chidi, who was seen helping at a family shop in the morning, shared his hopes of returning to school soon.

“My father told me to wait until Wednesday so he can gather the money. I am not happy staying at home because my friends are already in school and they will start giving notes today. I have been reading my old textbooks so that I won’t forget what we did last term. I just want everything to be settled so I can go back to my class,” Chidi stated.

Expensive transport costs is also the cause of this, many parents who normally use school buses found the new, higher prices hard to pay, so they had to find different ways for their children to get to school.

The results of low turn-out in Schools

For propietor of Call Me Favour School, Okokomaiko, Mrs Mary Fashola, low turn-out of pupils especially in the first week of resumption will affect academic activities of schools.

Her words: “Many children did not resume today. And the fact that some pupils will not resume till next week, will result in them dragging us backwards. Another challenge is the fact that some parents just push their wards without doing the normal thing like paying fees.. Some delay it alot and it affects so much.. And most of the pupils resuming now might have forgotten what they have learnt.. You know children and play.. So this term, we have to refresh their memory and it might take some of our time.

Why third term is crucial

Speaking of the importance of third term, the founder of Divine Kiddies School, Iyana-school, Mrs Precious Arinze third term goes beyond academic activities alone.

“As a school owner, this term goes beyond academics, we are placing stronger emphasis on diction, communication, and confidence building across all levels.

We’ve observed that when children are guided to speak clearly and express themselves confidently, it positively impacts every area of their learning. This term, we are being more intentional about diction—helping pupils with pronunciation, articulation, and effective communication through structured activities and daily practice.

We are also introducing more interactive and inclusive assemblies. These assemblies will no longer be just routine gatherings, but platforms where children actively participate; through public speaking, storytelling, role play, presentations, and leading segments of the programme. The aim is to gradually build their confidence, stage presence, and ability to express their thoughts without fear.

“It’s not just about knowing the answers, but being confident enough to share them.This term is about raising well-rounded learners, children who are not only academically sound but also bold, expressive, and self-assured.

We look forward to seeing every child grow in confidence and find their voice.” Arinze reiterated.