It is fast becoming a common trend in schools across Nigeria: pupils who perform well in class are being “double promoted” to higher levels. Moreover, most parents often view this as an opportunity to save money and time, while teachers present it as a reward for academic brilliance. However, experts warn that behind the excitement lies hidden struggles—academic decline, emotional stress, and social isolation.
Take the case of 10-year-old Odinaka Ejim in Lagos. Her parents proudly allowed her to skip Primary Six after she passed the common entrance examination from Primary Five. At first, it looked like success. Nevertheless, once in Junior Secondary School, reality hit. Odinaka struggled with new subjects, older classmates, and emotional maturity. “She lost the spark she once had,” her mother, Chinwe, said regretfully. Only with private tutors and counselling did the girl regain her balance.
Another parent, Mrs Elizerbet Bassey, described how she advanced her two children, aged seven and nine, by skipping grades. “They were bright, and I thought it would save money,” she said. However, within a year, the children began to fall behind. An education consultant later told her that skipping classes, such as those in Primary Three and Five, creates significant knowledge gaps in English and Mathematics. “I tried it, and it failed me. Parents should not rush children,” she admitted.
For Sunday Ibe in Imo State, a double promotion also became a source of regret. His son Chidera was moved from Primary Four to Primary Six. Initially happy, he soon saw the damage. “He was brilliant, but suddenly he started failing. He felt left behind and became withdrawn,” Sunday explained.
Experts say these cases are not isolated. Rising school fees, economic hardship, and overcrowded classrooms lead parents and teachers to view grade-skipping as a shortcut. However, Dr Vincent Ezeme, a lecturer at Legacy University, Anambra, warned: “It is like building a house without a foundation. Children may look smart at first, but gaps in learning and emotional maturity will catch up.”
Teachers are also concerned. Joy Egbochie of the Association of Private School Teachers said she often sees children pushed too early. “Do not rob children of their childhood. Intelligence alone is not enough. Emotional growth matters too,” she cautioned.
Medical experts agree. Consultant paediatrician Dr Adefunke Babatola of Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital emphasised that learning should align with a child’s developmental stage. “If you push them too fast, they face anxiety, frustration, and poor motivation,” she explained.
The Federal Ministry of Education insists it does not support double promotion. However, many schools continue quietly, sometimes encouraged by parents eager to boast of “young geniuses.”
To curb the problem, JAMB has introduced stricter rules. Under-16 candidates will now face tougher screening before university admission. JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, said: “This culture of rushing children is academic abuse. Education is not a race. Let them grow.”
For many parents, the lesson is clear. A child’s future is not measured by how fast they leave school, but by how well they are prepared to face life.
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