Arguments in Favor (Yes, School Should Start at 10 A.M.):

• Improved Sleep for Students: Starting school later allows students, especially teenagers, to get enough rest, which is essential for cognitive development and mental health.
• Better Academic Performance: Research suggests students perform better in subjects like math and reading when they are well-rested and alert in the late morning.
• Reduced Morning Stress: A later start reduces the rush and anxiety associated with early morning routines, especially for students who travel long distances.
• Less Traffic Congestion: A 10 a.m. start staggers commute times and can ease the usual early morning traffic congestion in urban areas.
• Supports Biological Clock: Teenagers naturally tend to sleep later due to hormonal changes, so aligning school hours with their internal clocks may enhance attention and mood.

Arguments Against (No, 10 A.M. Start Time is Not Ideal):

• Disruption of Parental Work Schedules: Many parents start work at 8 or 9 a.m., so a 10 a.m. school start could create childcare and transportation challenges.
• Reduced Academic Time: Starting later may shorten the school day, limiting time for extracurricular activities, homework help, or remedial classes.
• Hotter Weather Later in the Day: For schools without air conditioning, learning conditions could be uncomfortable during hotter hours of the day.
• Conflict with National Timetables: Public exams, sporting events, and official schedules are already aligned with earlier start times in Nigeria.
• Reduced Discipline: A later start may encourage laxity among students, potentially affecting punctuality and seriousness toward academics.