For parents with children at Ikija Day School in Surulere, Lagos, choosing the right laptop does not necessarily mean buying an expensive or high-end computer. What matters is finding a reliable machine that suits the child’s age, school activities and the family’s budget.
Ikija Day School is located on Omololu Street in Surulere and is listed as a nursery and primary school. Publicly available school information says the institution has roots going back to 1979, when it began as a nursery school. It is currently listed as a day-only school.
Why Digital Skills Matter for Young Learners
Children are increasingly expected to become comfortable with technology as they progress through school. Learning how to type, create documents, organise files and use digital tools responsibly can give pupils a useful foundation for later education.
Ikija Day School has also been connected with practical digital-skills activities. A documented training programme at the school introduced pupils to graphic design, allowing them to create concepts and digital visuals. This shows how computers can be used for creative learning in addition to ordinary schoolwork.
Parents can read more about the changing role of technology in education in our article on
digital learning in Africa.
What Can a Pupil Actually Do With a Laptop?
A school laptop can be useful for much more than watching videos. With proper parental supervision, pupils can use it for a variety of educational and creative activities.
"Give thanks to the Lord for He is good: His love endures forever."
- Typing and improving keyboard skills
- Writing school assignments
- Preparing simple presentations
- Reading digital books
- Educational research
- Graphic design and creative projects
- Computer-based learning activities
- Basic coding and technology exercises
- Practising digital literacy
The aim is to help the child become comfortable using technology as a learning and creative tool rather than treating the laptop only as an entertainment device.
Don’t Buy More Laptop Than the Child Needs
A primary-school pupil generally does not need a gaming laptop or an expensive professional workstation. Spending heavily on features that will not be used can make the purchase unnecessarily expensive.
For normal school activities, parents should concentrate on the basics: a capable processor, sufficient RAM, fast storage, a clear screen, a comfortable keyboard and a battery that still performs properly.
A Good Starting Specification
| Component | Recommended Target |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i3 or Core i5 |
| Memory | 8GB RAM |
| Storage | 256GB SSD or higher |
| Display | 13.3-inch, 14-inch or 15.6-inch |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, USB and HDMI where available |
| Battery | Good working condition |
Why 8GB RAM and an SSD Are Worth Considering
When buying on a budget, some specifications have a greater effect on everyday usability than others. RAM and storage are two of them.
With 8GB RAM, a child can comfortably work with a browser, documents and ordinary educational applications. An SSD also makes a difference because Windows and applications generally load much faster than they would on an older mechanical hard drive.
This combination can make an affordable laptop feel much more responsive without requiring parents to purchase a premium machine.
UK-Used Laptops Can Stretch the Budget
Parents who want better specifications without spending too much may also consider a carefully inspected UK-used laptop.
The used market contains many business laptops from Dell, HP and Lenovo. Some of these machines were originally designed for professional users and can offer sturdy construction, comfortable keyboards and useful connectivity.
However, the condition of a used laptop matters. Parents should inspect the screen, keyboard, hinges, ports and casing, while also checking the battery, charger, processor generation, RAM and SSD.
A Simple Checklist Before Paying
Whether the laptop is new or used, parents should take a few minutes to check the machine before completing a purchase.
- Confirm the exact processor model and generation.
- Check the amount of installed RAM.
- Confirm that the storage is an SSD.
- Test every important keyboard key.
- Check the screen for cracks, lines and dark areas.
- Test USB and other important ports.
- Check the battery condition.
- Confirm that the charger is included.
- Check the laptop’s overall physical condition.
Consider the Child’s Future School Needs
A laptop purchased for a young pupil may eventually become a tool for more advanced activities. As the child grows, school projects can become more demanding and may involve presentations, graphic design, coding, research or other digital tasks.
For this reason, it can make sense to buy a balanced machine rather than the absolute cheapest option. A good Core i3 or Core i5 laptop with 8GB RAM and an SSD can provide room for the child’s skills to develop.
Parents can also explore our
guide to choosing laptops for students
for more practical advice.
Where Can Parents Find Affordable Laptops in Lagos?
Parents in Surulere and other parts of Lagos can explore available laptop options at
P-Sero.
P-Sero offers brand-new and UK-used laptops at different price points. When buying a used machine, parents should ask for the exact specifications and confirm the laptop’s condition rather than choosing based only on the advertised processor name.
Make the Laptop Part of a Learning Routine
The computer itself is only one part of the equation. Parents can make the investment more useful by establishing a simple routine for computer-based learning.
For example, a child could spend some time practising typing, working on a school assignment, reading an educational article or creating a small digital project. Parents can also teach children how to save files properly, organise folders and use the internet responsibly.
Younger pupils should have appropriate supervision when browsing online. Screen-time limits can also help maintain a healthy balance between digital learning, reading, play and other activities.
Affordable Does Not Have to Mean Poor Quality
A limited laptop budget does not automatically mean settling for an unreliable computer. Parents can often find good value by focusing on practical specifications and considering well-maintained used business laptops.
Instead of choosing a laptop because it looks attractive or has a long list of features, focus on the things the child will actually use every day. A good keyboard, responsive SSD, sufficient RAM and a healthy battery can make a much bigger difference to the learning experience.
Final Thoughts
For an Ikija Day School pupil, a laptop can support both academic work and the development of valuable digital skills. The school has also been associated with practical technology activities such as graphic-design training, showing how computers can be used creatively as part of learning.
Parents do not need to buy the most expensive machine. A dependable laptop with 8GB RAM, SSD storage, a suitable processor, a clear display and good battery condition can provide a strong foundation for schoolwork.
The right purchase is one that gives the child useful technology for learning while keeping the family’s budget under control.
For more Nigerian education and technology guides, visit
InformationHood.









