Arguments in Favor
Running Nigerian schools all year without long holidays could potentially improve academic performance, reduce learning loss, and maximize time spent in the classroom. With consistent learning schedules, students retain more knowledge over time, as there is no long break that disrupts the learning momentum. In countries like Japan and Germany, shorter breaks and longer academic calendars have shown a correlation with higher educational outcomes.
All-year schooling can also be more beneficial for working parents who often struggle to find supervision for their children during long holidays. A structured school year helps keep students actively engaged, minimizing the chances of idle behavior, delinquency, or loss of focus. Teachers, too, may have more structured time to focus on student development and curriculum delivery without the pressure of cramming content into shorter terms.
Moreover, in a competitive global economy, more instructional time could better prepare Nigerian students for international benchmarks and exams like WAEC, NECO, and JAMB. With global education becoming more fast-paced and skill-driven, reducing long holidays may offer students an edge in academic and career readiness.
Arguments Against
On the other hand, eliminating long holidays can lead to academic fatigue, stress, and burnout among students and teachers. Breaks are essential for mental health and overall well-being. Long holidays offer students the opportunity to relax, reconnect with family, and pursue other forms of informal education like vocational training, reading, or travel. Removing this can turn schooling into a monotonous cycle and negatively affect enthusiasm toward learning.
In rural areas, where students often assist families with farming or small-scale trading during holidays, removing long breaks could disrupt local economies and cultural practices. Also, many Nigerian schools are not equipped with sufficient infrastructure (e.g., cooling systems, extracurricular facilities) to handle a continuous school calendar without breaks.
Furthermore, education is not just about quantity but quality. Extending school time does not necessarily improve learning if the teaching methods, motivation, and school resources are lacking. Long holidays provide educators with the time to rest, retrain, and plan better for the upcoming terms, leading to improved educational delivery.
Conclusion
The debate on whether Nigerian schools should operate year-round without long holidays hinges on balancing productivity with student well-being. While more academic time could bridge knowledge gaps and improve global competitiveness, the importance of mental rest, cultural context, and the physical capacity of schools cannot be overlooked. Rather than removing long holidays entirely, a more flexible model—such as reducing the length slightly while enhancing holiday learning programs—might be a more sustainable and inclusive solution.
