An early morning downpour on Monday in Ilorin disrupted the smooth resumption in primary and secondary schools in the town.

The rain, which started around 7:35 a.m., lasted until 11:05 a.m.

The rain disrupted the movement of students and parents who were either at bus stops or already on their way to resume for the 2025/2026 academic session.

Fewer vehicles were seen on the roads due to the rain, unlike regular days when traffic is usually heavy.

Additionally, in some of the schools visited by journalists, there were fewer students, particularly in private schools, which typically experience high attendance on the first day of resumption.

In some public schools, students were observed entering the premises as late as 9:30 a.m., with no apparent supervision in place to address their tardiness.

Some of the parents said they could not turn back because they had already left the house before the rain started.

Blessing Ayoola said that though it was the beginning of a new session and her children were eager to resume, it was not easy getting them to school in the rain, as she was not mobile.

She said she would have persuaded the children to stay home and resume on Tuesday if they had been at home prior to the rain.

Okanlawon Samuel said he had to bring the children in the rain even though it was not convenient for him because “their eagerness to launch their new school bags and wear was too much to ignore.”

He, however, wore a raincoat on them to prevent them from getting wet, even though he himself got soaked.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a safe, conducive, and technology-driven learning environment.

The education commissioner, Lawal Olohungbebe, called for the cooperation of all stakeholders to ensure a fruitful and successful academic session.

(NAN)