By MILLICENT IFEANYICHUKWU

Ahead of resumption of schools across Lagos for the 2026/2027 academic session, parents, teachers and even students have expressed optimism while highlighting expectations for a productive school year.

Speaking in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos, they said the resumption had brought relief, after weeks of an exciting holiday.

They however renewed concerns about the cost of education, children’s safety and academic performance.

Mrs Ometere Chinedu, a parent, who applauded teachers and schools management for their commitment, however said she expected them to give students the necessary attention, while parents also played their role, by monitoring the children’s studies at home.

According to her, she wants her children to return home not only with good grades, but also with discipline, confidence and the right values.

Another parent, Mr Nnadozie Adiri, appealed to government and school authorities to sustain efforts toward providing safe and conducive learning environments for pupils, students and teachers.

Adiri, also, an English Language teacher, said regular engagement between schools and parents would help identify learning difficulties early and enable appropriate support for affected learners.

For teachers, the new session represented another opportunity to improve learning outcomes and help students develop skills beyond the classroom.

Mr Elijah Akhabigimhe,Vice Principal (Academics) Grimes International College, Alagbado, said teachers were prepared for the task ahead, but needed the cooperation of parents, to achieve meaningful progress among learners.

“We need parents to support what we teach in school by encouraging regular study, discipline and responsible behaviour at home,” he said.

Another teacher, Mrs Doris Isaac,

Nazareth School, Festac Town, urged students to take their studies seriously, particularly those preparing for external examinations, saying consistent effort remained essential for success.

She also called for continued investment in teaching materials and professional development to enable teachers respond effectively to evolving educational needs.

Meanwhile, some of the students who spoke to NAN expressed excitement about reconnecting with friends and beginning a new academic journey, while pledging to be more committed to their studies.

Miss Owoeye Temidara, an SS2 student of Queen’s College, Yaba, said she was determined to work harder during the session, particularly because of the importance of attaining good grades.

“I am going to put more effort when we resume. So, I have decided to reduce distractions, attend classes regularly and take my studies more seriously than ever before,” she stated.

Similarly, Eniola Omowole, an SS1 student of Olumowayo Group of Schools, Agbado station, said, although, she had a memorable holidays, she was happy to return to school because she missed her friends, teachers and classroom activities.

She however, commended the state Ministry of Education for the teaching and learning environment, but appealed to the teachers to make lessons more interactive.

Omowole said students understood difficult subjects better, when lessons were practical and engaging.

Another SS2 student of Casmiree Bonds High School, Ajegunle, Goodluck Michael, said he looked forward to participating in extracurricular activities, while maintaining a strong focus on his academics.

Across the three groups, there was a common appeal for stronger collaboration among parents, teachers, government and students, to make the new academic session successful.

The stakeholders also stressed that academic excellence should go hand-in-hand with discipline, good character, safety and the overall wellbeing of learners, as well as the teachers. (NAN)