Public education in Nigeria is in comatose and has suffered from consistent neglect by successive governments at state level and federal level. Public schools are far worse. The infrastructure is dilapidated: classrooms are overcrowded and it is not unusual to see public primary schools where the roofs have been blown aware, equipment are not available, the quality of personnel is generally low.

Crowded classrooms: Every aspect of the educational system is failing and this failure will be exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. First, schools in Nigeria were not designed to be compliant with social distancing. This means resumption of schools will be a difficult decision because the crowded classrooms will become avenues for spreading the SARS-CoV2 should any student or staff be infected.

Sector-specific economic impact: Most working-class people send their wards to privately-owned primary schools where the fees range from N10,000 to N350,000 per term depending on the city, location, quality, curriculum, target market, facilities and equipment, etc. With imminent job losses occasioned by Covid-19 pandemic, it is safe to say that some parents may be unable to pay fees for their wards whenever school resumes. In turn, school management may be unable to administer the schools without making some decisions to prune staff and cut other costs.

Longer term disruptions: students where were schedule to sit for the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) will have to wait much longer. This will be a huge disruption in plans to them and to their parents/guardians.