The recent move by the Oyo State House of Assembly to ban the use of mobile phones in both public and private secondary schools has sparked mixed reactions. While some view it as a harsh clampdown on students’ digital freedom, I believe it is a necessary step in the right direction a bold but timely intervention to restore discipline, refocus attention on learning, and reclaim the sanctity of our classrooms.
It is no secret that indiscipline remains one of the most formidable challenges in Nigeria’s education system. In secondary schools across the nation, truancy, theft, thuggery, disobedience, and plummeting academic performance have become distressingly common. These issues stem from a complex web of causes poor parenting, ineffective school administration, peer pressure, lack of motivation, and, increasingly, the unchecked influence of social media and mobile technology.
Originally designed to connect and inform, smartphones have, in recent years, become tools of distraction and disruption within the learning environment. Teachers now find themselves competing with Instagram reels, WhatsApp messages, and TikTok trends for students’ attention. The classroom a space meant to foster intellectual curiosity and critical thinking is constantly disrupted by the glow of screens, the hush of secret texting, or worse, covert video recordings.
The implications go far beyond mere distraction. Excessive mobile phone use among adolescents has been linked to anxiety, sleep disorders, poor concentration, and even cyberbullying issues school authorities are ill-equipped to tackle effectively. We cannot ignore the growing evidence of the correlation between constant phone use and declining academic outcomes, especially in national examinations such as WAEC and JAMB.
Recognising the urgency of the situation, the Secretary to the Oyo State Government issued a circular on 15 April 2025, officially declaring a statewide ban on mobile phones in all secondary schools. Titled “Need to Ban the Use of Phones in Secondary Schools in the State to Improve Discipline and Academic Performance,” the motion, backed by the House of Assembly, instructs the Executive arm through the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology to enforce this ban.
The policy is clear: students are absolutely prohibited from carrying or using mobile phones within school premises including classrooms, libraries, laboratories, and even during breaks. Any device found will be confiscated and held until the end of the term or until a parent or guardian collects it.
Importantly, the government has not turned a blind eye to the need for emergency communication. Each school is now mandated to set up an official phone line for parents or guardians to reach their wards in case of genuine emergencies. This ensures that critical matters such as health concerns or transport arrangements are addressed through appropriate and transparent channels.
For critics who argue that this policy is a step backwards in a digital age, I ask: should we sacrifice the quality of education and the emotional wellbeing of our young people on the altar of unrestricted connectivity? Discipline, focus, and academic success are not born out of constant screen exposure they are nurtured through structured learning, interpersonal interaction, and uninterrupted thought.
The Oyo State House of Assembly has done more than enact a law; it has issued a wake-up call to all stakeholders in the education sector. Parents, educators, policymakers, and students themselves must reflect on the direction our schools are heading.
If we are to raise a generation of thinkers, innovators, and leaders, then we must first create an environment where learning is respected, and distractions are minimised.
Let us not forget: the purpose of education is not just to pass exams, but to build character, instil values, and prepare young people to contribute meaningfully to society. Sometimes, to move forward, we must first unplug.
Bukola Adeleke is an education consultant, teacher trainer, & SDG4 quality education enthusiast. She writes from Oyo State.
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