Arguments in Favor (Yes, Schools Should Adopt a 4-Day Week)
Moving to a 4-day school week can help reduce operational costs, including transportation, electricity, water, and maintenance. For states and private schools facing budgetary constraints, this could be a sustainable cost-saving measure without severely compromising learning outcomes.
Students and teachers often experience burnout under the current 5-day system. A 4-day schedule allows for more rest, family time, and mental recovery. With a longer weekend, students can engage in extracurricular activities, self-directed learning, or vocational training.
Some schools in countries like the U.S. and Finland that have piloted this model have reported improved attendance rates, better teacher retention, and even enhanced student focus during longer class periods. For Nigeria, this shift could inspire innovation in lesson planning and school productivity.
Arguments Against (No, Schools Should Stick to 5 Days)
A 4-day school week means fewer classroom hours, which could impact syllabus coverage, especially in exam classes like WAEC or NECO candidates. Nigeria’s curriculum is already packed, and reducing days might lead to rushed teaching or incomplete topics.
Many working parents rely on schools for childcare during weekdays. An extra day off could be burdensome for families who may struggle to find supervision for their children on the fifth day, especially in dual-income households.
Additionally, there’s a risk of increased inequality. Students in well-equipped private schools may benefit from online learning on the fifth day, while those in rural or under-resourced schools could fall behind. This change might widen the learning gap if not properly managed.
Conclusion
While the idea of a 4-day school week offers many attractive benefits, including cost savings and improved mental wellness, it must be approached with caution in the Nigerian context. Without the proper infrastructure, planning, and equity of access, it may do more harm than good. A flexible or pilot-based model might be a more practical path forward.
