The Federal and state governments have been urged to strengthen school infrastructures in flood-prone communities to protect and advance the country’s education system. This call aims to reduce school closures and ensure continued academic activities during flood events.
Speaking in Ilorin, Kwara State, Mr. Taiwo Ogunwumi, Founder and Senior Project Lead of Geohazards Risk Mapping Initiative (GRMI), highlighted findings from a survey conducted in Lagos and Kogi states. The study assessed the impact of flooding on students and educational activities, revealing the need for resilient infrastructure like elevated buildings and improved drainage systems to mitigate disruptions.
“There is an urgent need for proactive measures to protect education systems and build resilience against the growing threat of climate change-induced flooding in Nigeria,” Ogunwumi said. He noted that although many schools are located in low-risk zones, intense flooding often forces temporary closures, disrupting academic activities and causing significant emotional and mental stress for students.
“Beyond physical school closures, the emotional and mental toll of flooding on students is significant, with many expressing anxieties over falling behind their peers academically. These disruptions create disparities between students in flood-affected and unaffected schools, potentially exacerbating educational inequalities,” he added.
The GRMI survey estimated that 2.5 million children and youths in Nigeria live in flood-prone areas, exposing them to increased risks. Ogunwumi called for investment in resilient infrastructure to reduce closures and maintain school operations during floods. He also urged governments to provide psychosocial support to help students cope with the emotional distress caused by flooding.
“Flood-related school closures highlight the need for alternative learning platforms,” Ogunwumi emphasized. He advocated for remote learning platforms to ensure continuity of education during flood-induced closures and stressed the importance of empowering youths through training programs on flood risk management. “By involving children in disaster risk reduction efforts, they become active participants in building safer communities,” he said.
Ogunwumi urged the government to collaborate with organizations like GRMI to conduct workshops and campaigns educating youth on flood causes and effects, fostering a culture of preparedness and resilience. “Flooding is not just an environmental issue; it’s a threat to the education and future of our children. We implore governments at all levels to take bold and decisive steps to implement these recommendations. We must act now to ensure schools remain safe and accessible, and that students do not lose their right to quality education.”
Mr. Kayode Adeniyi, Head of Research at GRMI, added that flooding poses a severe risk to Nigeria’s educational sector, disrupting academic activities, damaging infrastructure, and creating unsafe conditions for students and staff. He noted that students from marginalized communities, often residing in flood-prone areas, are the most affected, threatening the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4, which advocates for inclusive and equitable quality education.
Citing a National Bureau of Statistics report, Adeniyi disclosed that students in flood-affected areas missed an average of 53 school days in 2022 due to severe flooding, underscoring the urgent need for action.
