Mother Voices Alarm Over Excessive Homework Burden on Lagos Pupils

Growing Concerns About Academic Pressure in Lekki Schools

A concerned mother from Lekki has publicly appealed to the Lagos State Government to address what she describes as an overwhelming surge in the amount of homework assigned to students. According to her, the current volume of daily assignments is causing significant stress and fatigue among pupils.

Daily Homework Assignments: Six Tasks Per Child

In a widely shared video on social media platforms, the mother revealed that children are now expected to complete up to six different homework tasks every day. This intense workload, she argues, is leaving students mentally drained and unable to engage meaningfully with their studies.

Impact on Learning and Student Wellbeing

She emphasized that the excessive homework is not fostering genuine understanding or enthusiasm for learning. Instead, pupils appear to be mechanically completing assignments without absorbing the material, likening their state to that of “zombies” due to overstimulation and exhaustion.

Calls for Government Intervention and Policy Review

Highlighting the urgent need for educational authorities to reconsider the current homework policies, the mother urged the Lagos State Government to implement measures that balance academic demands with students’ mental health and overall wellbeing.

Contextualizing the Issue: Homework Trends and Student Health

Recent studies indicate that excessive homework can negatively affect children’s mental health, leading to increased anxiety and reduced motivation. For example, a 2023 survey by the Nigerian Educational Research Council found that 68% of students in urban areas reported feeling overwhelmed by their homework load. This aligns with global concerns about the need to optimize homework quantity to enhance learning outcomes without compromising student welfare.

Alternative Approaches to Homework

Educational experts suggest that quality should take precedence over quantity when it comes to homework. Assignments that encourage critical thinking, creativity, and practical application tend to be more effective than repetitive tasks. For instance, schools in countries like Finland, known for their high educational standards, assign minimal homework, focusing instead on in-class engagement and individualized support.

Watch the Full Video Below

Below is the video capturing the mother’s heartfelt plea, which has sparked widespread discussion among parents, educators, and policymakers alike.