OVERVIEW OF NIGERIA’S GUIDELINES FOR SCHOOL BUS OPERATION

This overview of Nigeria’s Guidelines for School Bus Operation is for school owners, school bus operators, parents, and regulators.

Safe school run – commuting students and pupils to and from school – is a daily concern of parents, schools, school bus service providers, and government agencies who set standards and other oversight functions.

To make this easier, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) published the Nigerian Industrial Standard NIS 716:2010, titled “Guidelines for School Bus Operation.”

Guidelines for School Bus Operation should guarantee safety, professionalism, and a reliable school transportation system in Nigeria.

Guidelines for School Bus Operation Applied to School Owners or Operators

As a school owner or operator, running a school bus service means more than owning a school bus. You are responsible for:

1. Hiring well-trained drivers and assistants with over 5 years of driving experience
2. Maintaining safe vehicles
3. Keeping parents informed
4. Ensuring children are picked up and dropped off safely

Choosing the Right Bus Type

Nigeria’s Guidelines for School Bus Operation provide five types of buses:

Type A1 – sits 18 people (including driver and assistant)

Type A2 – sits 22 people (extended version of A1)

Type B1 – sits 28 people (including driver and assistant)

Type B2 – sits 35 people (extended version of Type B1)

Type C – sits up to 72 people (including driver and assistant): best for large schools with many students.

School operator chooses what works best based on the number of students or pupils and routes. Ensure each school bus has seats for a driver and an assistant.

Vehicle Standards

Every school bus must:

1. Be painted yellow with two white stripes
2. Strategically marked “SCHOOL BUS”
3. Show your school’s name, logo, and a serial number
4. Be fitted with reflective safety markings
5. Be registered with a commercial license plate

Hire the Right People

Drivers and assistants must:

1. Have a clean bill of health (medical and mental fitness tests)
2. Be drug and alcohol-free (tested yearly)
3. Have no criminal record
4. Have at least 5 years of driving experience
5. Hold a Junior School Certificate and Trade Test III Certificate

Get a Permit

All operators need a School Bus Operator’s Permit, valid for 3 years – a satisfactory proof of technical and managerial standards.

For Drivers and Assistants

Truly, you are not “just drivers.” The guidelines treat school transport as a professional career, and rightly so.

You must:

1. Understand child behaviour (introductory child psychology)
2. Learn route planning and emergency response
3. Take part in regular training (during holidays and school terms)
4. Be well-rested and alert on duty (rest periods are required)

Good drivers and assistants play a huge role in children’s safety and emotional well-being – often more than we give them credit for.

For Parents

Indeed, your child’s school bus should be:

1. Safe, clean, and marked
2. Driven by qualified professionals
3. Covered by insurance that protects all passengers
4. Reliable and on-time

Without these standards, you can ask questions and request improvement.

How You Can Help the System Work Better

1. Get your child ready on time for pickup
2. Notify the school or driver if your child will not be riding
3. Teach your child to follow bus safety rules (no moving around in the bus)
4. Stay in contact with the school in case of delays or emergencies

When parents and schools work together, children win.

For Regulators (FRSC, VIO, Education Boards)

Monitor and Support, Not Just Penalise.

Similarly, the guidelines encourage routine inspections of buses, driver records, and operator licenses. But beyond enforcement, regulators can:

1. Offer training programs
2. Help schools set up bus units
3. Promote local assembly or leasing of compliant buses

Encourage Safer Roads Around Schools

Local authorities can:

1. Set up designated drop-off/pickup zones
2. Enforce speed limits and no-parking rules near schools
3. Run campaigns on school transport safety

Tips and Insights

Addressing Common Challenges

Problem                              Suggested Solution

Bus delays:                        Use WhatsApp or SMS alerts to keep parents updated

Pupils not showing up:    Give a 3-minute window; keep a no-show log to track patterns

Breakdowns:                     Keep a backup vehicle or standby plan; always inform parents quickly

Children left behind         Train assistants to do a headcount and confirm drop-offs

Consider Welfare for Drivers: End-of-year bonuses, recognition awards, or insurance contributions can boost morale. Drivers who feel valued tend to be more careful and consistent.

Explore Partnerships: Private schools can work with local transport providers under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. PPP allows cost-sharing, better fleet management, and access to newer technology.

Conclusion

School bus operations should be professional and not casual, whether you are a school owner, driver, parent, or regulator.

These guidelines offer a practical roadmap to making our children’s daily school commute safe, smooth, and stress-free.

By putting safety first and treating school transport as an essential service. It is not just a side arrangement; we create a more caring and efficient education environment for everyone.

SRJ Legal is the first bespoke education law firm. We complement our education law practice with fintech and commercial dispute (litigation). At the same time, we provide corporate counsel services to businesses and individuals, including families.