Back-to-school season in Nigeria is rarely a calm one. It’s parents bargaining for supplies in traffic-heavy markets, students scrubbing hostel rooms before moving in, and kids testing the limits of how many snacks can fit in their new lunch bag.
Even if you’re not overhauling everything for the new term/session, swapping out last term’s worn-out backpack, replacing leaky lunch boxes, or finally buying that power bank you’ve been ‘managing without’ can make a big difference in how smoothly the year runs.
That’s why we’ve pulled together nine school essentials that aren’t just nice to have. They’re the things that make everyday life easier, no matter your level. Some will suit primary schoolers still learning how to tell the time, while others are survival gear for university students facing hostel life. All of them, though, are worth a space in your bag.
1. Calculators
For secondary and university students, calculators are the holy grail of surviving maths and science classes. Doesn’t matter if it’s basic arithmetic or advanced engineering formulas, the right calculator keeps your brain (and exam scores) intact. Primary kids won’t need one yet, but for everyone else, it’s the difference between running around trying to share with someone or borrow from someone and solving equations with ease.
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Photo: Casio Scientific Calculator
2. Reusable Water Bottles That Last All Session
Dehydration is real, especially under the Nigerian sun. A reusable water bottle is for everyone. Primary kids need it in their backpacks, secondary students carry it between classes, and uni students rely on it during marathon lecture days. Bonus points if it’s insulated, because nothing hits like cold water in the middle of a 2-hour lecture.
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Photo: Sports Thermos Water Bottle
3. Backpacks That’ll Stand the Test of Term (Pun Intended)
Nothing exposes a weak bag faster than a full school load. Primary kids need sturdy zips and cartoon characters that actually last past midterm. Secondary students need enough space for textbooks, notebooks, and sneakers for after-school activities. Uni kids? They need padded laptop compartments and straps that can survive commutes or hostel treks. A good backpack is an investment that pays for itself.
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Photo: Laptop Backpack
4. Leak-Proof Lunch Box and Lunch Bag
5. Lamps to Battle Electricity Shenanigans
6. Notebooks, Notebooks, Notebooks (and Stationery Too)
Call them old-fashioned, but notebooks are still the backbone of school. Primary and secondary students fill them up with notes and homework, while uni students rely on them when lecturers ban phones or tablets. Add pens, pencils, rulers, and highlighters. Stationery is one category where more is always better.