PUBLIC LETTER TO THE STATE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
SUBJECT: URGENT CALL TO BAN AUGUST HOLIDAY SUMMER LESSONS IN PRIVATE SCHOOLS
To:
The Honourable Commissioners,
States Ministry of Education
Nigeria
From:
*Ibiloye Victor*
Concerned Citizen / Education Advocate
Abuja, FCT
Date: 3rd August, 2026
Sir/Ma,
RE: STOP AUGUST HOLIDAY LESSONS IN PRIVATE SCHOOLS AND CAUTION PRIVATE SCHOOL OWNERS
I write as a concerned stakeholder in the education sector to respectfully urge the States Ministry of Education in Nigeria to *immediately ban all forms of academic summer lessons in the month of August in private schools* across Nigeria, and to *issue a strong caution to private school owners* who continue this practice.
The month of August is statutorily and traditionally the long vacation period in the school calendar. It was designed for one purpose: *rest, recovery, and preparation for the next academic session*. Unfortunately, many private schools have turned August into another term, to the detriment of pupils, students, teachers, and parents.
I humbly present the following reasons why this must stop:
*1. Holidays are meant for Rest*
Both pupils/students and teachers need August to rest mentally and physically, bond with family, engage in extracurricular activities, skills acquisition, and personal development. Continuous schooling causes burnout and reduces performance.
*2. Public Schools Don’t Do It, Yet Achieve Better Results*
Government/public schools strictly observe the August break and still record excellent results in WAEC, NECO, and JAMB. This proves that academic excellence does not depend on sacrificing holidays. If public schools can succeed without August lessons, private schools have no educational basis to continue.
*3. Exploitation and Enslavement of Teachers*
Many private school owners use August lessons as a tool to *exploit and enslave teachers*. Teachers are forced to resume with little or no extra pay, denied leave benefits, and prevented from resting or seeking professional development. This is unfair labor practice.
*4. Denial of Better Opportunities for Teachers*
August is the only window teachers have to attend trainings, ICT courses, write professional exams, do NYSC, internships, or take up better job opportunities. Forcing them into classrooms hinders their career growth.
*5. Exploitation of Parents*
Parents are made to pay extra fees for "holiday lessons" even though *they have already paid school fees for the term, which by design includes holiday periods*. This amounts to double-charging and places unnecessary financial burden on families.
*6. Commercialization of Education*
The sole motive for many schools is profit, not learning. August lessons have become a revenue drive rather than an academic necessity, turning schools into businesses that prioritize money over child welfare.
*7. Distortion of the Academic Calendar*
Running lessons in August disrupts the approved school calendar, puts undue pressure on learners, and creates unhealthy competition among schools.
*8. Health and Social Impact*
Children need time to play, travel, and be with parents. Denying them this affects their emotional well-being and social development.
*MY RECOMMENDATIONS:*
1. The Ministry should *issue a statewide directive banning all academic activities in private schools throughout August*.
2. *Caution and sanction* any private school owner who violates the directive.
3. *Monitor compliance* through inspectors and quality assurance officers.
4. *Sensitize parents* that they are not obligated to pay for August lessons.
Education must not be reduced to a profit-making venture at the expense of the welfare of children and teachers.
I trust that the Ministry will take swift and decisive action to protect our pupils, students, teachers, and parents.
Thank you for your attention.
Yours faithfully,
*Ibiloye Victor*
Educational Consultant
Abuja, FCT
08103540933
Federal Ministry of Education, Nigeria
UBEB Abuja
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu
FCT Administration, Abuja
Nyesom Ezenwo Wike - CON, GSSRS
SUBJECT: URGENT CALL TO BAN AUGUST HOLIDAY SUMMER LESSONS IN PRIVATE SCHOOLS
To:
The Honourable Commissioners,
States Ministry of Education
Nigeria
From:
*Ibiloye Victor*
Concerned Citizen / Education Advocate
Abuja, FCT
Date: 3rd August, 2026
Sir/Ma,
RE: STOP AUGUST HOLIDAY LESSONS IN PRIVATE SCHOOLS AND CAUTION PRIVATE SCHOOL OWNERS
I write as a concerned stakeholder in the education sector to respectfully urge the States Ministry of Education in Nigeria to *immediately ban all forms of academic summer lessons in the month of August in private schools* across Nigeria, and to *issue a strong caution to private school owners* who continue this practice.
The month of August is statutorily and traditionally the long vacation period in the school calendar. It was designed for one purpose: *rest, recovery, and preparation for the next academic session*. Unfortunately, many private schools have turned August into another term, to the detriment of pupils, students, teachers, and parents.
I humbly present the following reasons why this must stop:
*1. Holidays are meant for Rest*
Both pupils/students and teachers need August to rest mentally and physically, bond with family, engage in extracurricular activities, skills acquisition, and personal development. Continuous schooling causes burnout and reduces performance.
*2. Public Schools Don’t Do It, Yet Achieve Better Results*
Government/public schools strictly observe the August break and still record excellent results in WAEC, NECO, and JAMB. This proves that academic excellence does not depend on sacrificing holidays. If public schools can succeed without August lessons, private schools have no educational basis to continue.
*3. Exploitation and Enslavement of Teachers*
Many private school owners use August lessons as a tool to *exploit and enslave teachers*. Teachers are forced to resume with little or no extra pay, denied leave benefits, and prevented from resting or seeking professional development. This is unfair labor practice.
*4. Denial of Better Opportunities for Teachers*
August is the only window teachers have to attend trainings, ICT courses, write professional exams, do NYSC, internships, or take up better job opportunities. Forcing them into classrooms hinders their career growth.
*5. Exploitation of Parents*
Parents are made to pay extra fees for "holiday lessons" even though *they have already paid school fees for the term, which by design includes holiday periods*. This amounts to double-charging and places unnecessary financial burden on families.
*6. Commercialization of Education*
The sole motive for many schools is profit, not learning. August lessons have become a revenue drive rather than an academic necessity, turning schools into businesses that prioritize money over child welfare.
*7. Distortion of the Academic Calendar*
Running lessons in August disrupts the approved school calendar, puts undue pressure on learners, and creates unhealthy competition among schools.
*8. Health and Social Impact*
Children need time to play, travel, and be with parents. Denying them this affects their emotional well-being and social development.
*MY RECOMMENDATIONS:*
1. The Ministry should *issue a statewide directive banning all academic activities in private schools throughout August*.
2. *Caution and sanction* any private school owner who violates the directive.
3. *Monitor compliance* through inspectors and quality assurance officers.
4. *Sensitize parents* that they are not obligated to pay for August lessons.
Education must not be reduced to a profit-making venture at the expense of the welfare of children and teachers.
I trust that the Ministry will take swift and decisive action to protect our pupils, students, teachers, and parents.
Thank you for your attention.
Yours faithfully,
*Ibiloye Victor*
Educational Consultant
Abuja, FCT
08103540933
Federal Ministry of Education, Nigeria
UBEB Abuja
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu
FCT Administration, Abuja
Nyesom Ezenwo Wike - CON, GSSRS