Government at all levels have been urged to take urgent actions to address devastating impact of severe flooding on education in the country.
This was the highlight of the pilot survey conducted by a Non governmental organisation, Geohazards Risk Mapping Initiative (GRMI), aimed at assessing the impact of flooding on students and educational activities.
Speaking on the findings of the report in Ilorin, the founder and senior project Lead of the initiative, Taiwo Ogunwumi, stressed the need for proactive measures to protect education systems and build resilience against the growing threat of climate change-induced flooding in Nigeria.
According to him the report revealed that while most schools surveyed are strategically located in low-risk zones, the intensity of flooding often forced some schools to close temporarily, leading to disruption of academic activities.
Ogunwumi explained that “beyond physical school closures, the emotional and mental toll of flooding on students is significant, with many expressing anxiety over falling behind their peers academically.
He said the disruptions create disparities between students in flood-affected and unaffected schools, potentially exacerbating educational inequalities.
Ogunwumi noted that an estimated 2.5 million children and youths in Nigeria reside in flood-prone areas, which exposed them to increased risks.
He called for the strengthening of school infrastructure in flood-prone communities stressing that investment in resilient infrastructure, such as elevated buildings and improved drainage systems, can reduce cases of closures and ensure schools remain operational during flood events.
