150+ Report Card Comments for Teachers in Nigeria (Primary & Secondary)

It's the last week of term. Scores are in, the broadsheet is done — and now there are forty report cards waiting for a class teacher's remark, and another four hundred for the principal's comment.

By card number thirty, every child is "a good student who should work harder."

Parents notice. A report card comment is often the only sentence on the whole card that is written about their child rather than about a score. It is worth getting right.

This guide gives you over 150 ready-to-use report card comments for Nigerian primary and secondary schools, organised by performance, behaviour, attendance, subject and promotion — plus a simple formula for writing your own.

The Formula for a Good Report Card Comment

Every useful comment has three parts:

1. A specific strength — something the child genuinely does well.
2. A specific area to improve — one or two things, not a list of faults.
3. A next step — what the child or parent can do next term.

Strength + Area to improve + Next step

Compare:

• ❌ "Fair result. Can do better."
• ✅ "Amara is attentive in class and her handwriting has improved. She needs more practice with fractions; working through ten sums at home each week will help."

The second takes ten more seconds to write and tells the parent exactly what to do.

A few rules that apply to every comment below:

• Use the child's name where the card allows it.
• Describe the work, not the child. "Her essays lack detail" — not "She is lazy."
• Be honest. A glowing comment on a failing card destroys trust when the parent sees the scores.
• Keep it short. Two sentences is plenty for a class teacher; one for a principal.

Comments for Excellent Students

1. An outstanding term. Her consistent effort shows in every subject. Keep aiming high.
2. Excellent performance. He is a hardworking, focused learner and a pleasure to teach.
3. A brilliant result. She grasps new ideas quickly and applies them with confidence.
4. Exceptional work this term. His dedication is an example to the whole class.
5. Superb performance across all subjects. Keep up the excellent standard.
6. She has worked tirelessly and the results speak for themselves. Well done.
7. A remarkable term. He asks thoughtful questions and always goes beyond what is required.
8. Excellent result. Her neat, careful work and positive attitude are commendable.
9. An impressive performance. He should now challenge himself with extra reading.
10. Outstanding! She combines strong academic work with excellent leadership in class.
11. A top-class result. His love of learning is clear in everything he does.
12. Excellent effort and excellent results. She has set a high standard — keep it.
13. He has shown exceptional understanding in Mathematics and Sciences. Well done.
14. A truly excellent term. She is a confident speaker and a careful writer.
15. Brilliant work. He is ready for more challenging tasks next term.
16. A consistently high performer who works independently and helps others.
17. Excellent. Her steady improvement over the session has been a joy to see.
18. Outstanding performance — a credit to herself, her family and the school.

Comments for Very Good and Good Students

19. A very good result. With a little more attention to detail, she can reach the top.
20. Very good performance. He is hardworking and should keep it up.
21. A good term's work. She is capable of even more with consistent revision.
22. Very good effort. His work in English is strong; Mathematics needs a little more practice.
23. A pleasing result. She participates well in class and completes her assignments on time.
24. Good performance. He should read more widely to improve his written work.
25. Very good. She has improved steadily and should maintain this progress.
26. A good result overall. He must avoid careless mistakes during examinations.
27. Very good work. She is reliable, attentive and keen to learn.
28. Good effort this term. More confidence in answering questions will help him further.
29. A very good term. Her test scores were strong; her exam revision can be stronger.
30. Good progress. He works well in groups and should now aim for higher grades.
31. Very good. She has the ability to be among the best in the class.
32. A solid, dependable performance. Keep working hard.
33. Good result. He should give more attention to his weaker subjects.
34. Very good. Her neat and well-organised notes are commendable.

Comments for Average Students

35. A fair result. She can do better with more concentration in class.
36. Average performance. He understands the basics and needs more practice to improve.
37. A fair term. She should spend more time revising at home.
38. Satisfactory work. He needs to complete his assignments on time.
39. An average result. She is capable of more if she pays closer attention in class.
40. Fair performance. He should ask questions whenever he does not understand.
41. A steady term. With more effort in Mathematics, her overall result will improve.
42. Satisfactory. He has potential that is not yet fully reflected in his scores.
43. A fair result. She must read her notes regularly, not only before examinations.
44. Average. He is well-behaved and should now focus that discipline on his studies.
45. A reasonable effort. She should practise more past questions in her weaker subjects.
46. Fair. He needs to improve his handwriting and the presentation of his work.
47. A satisfactory term. More participation in class discussions will build her confidence.
48. Average performance. A regular study timetable at home will help him improve.
49. A fair result with room for growth. She should aim higher next term.
50. He has improved in some subjects. Consistent effort will raise his overall average.

Comments for Students Who Need to Improve

51. She is cheerful and well-behaved. She needs extra support in reading and Mathematics.
52. He has the ability to do better. Regular revision at home is strongly advised.
53. A weak result this term. She should seek help from her teachers in her difficult subjects.
54. He needs to take his studies more seriously. Parents are advised to monitor his homework.
55. Below expectation. She must pay more attention in class and complete all assignments.
56. He struggles with English comprehension. Daily reading at home will make a real difference.
57. A disappointing result. With commitment and support, he can improve next term.
58. She tries hard but needs more practice. Extra lessons in Mathematics are recommended.
59. He is easily distracted in class. Better concentration will improve his results.
60. Poor performance. A meeting with the class teacher is advised to agree a plan.
61. She needs to improve her reading and writing skills. Parents' support at home is needed.
62. He must attend classes regularly and catch up on missed work.
63. A weak term, but he has shown he can improve in Basic Science. Build on that.
64. She has potential. Less play and more revision will make the difference.
65. He needs closer supervision of his homework and a fixed study time at home.
66. She finds Mathematics difficult. Short daily practice is better than long sessions before exams.
67. A result below his ability. He is encouraged to work harder next term.
68. She should take her class notes seriously and revise them every week.

Comments for Students Who Have Improved

69. A big improvement this term. Well done — keep the momentum going.
70. She has made remarkable progress. Her hard work is paying off.
71. Great improvement in Mathematics. He should apply the same effort to English.
72. A much better result than last term. Keep it up.
73. He has become more focused and it shows in his scores. Well done.
74. Steady improvement throughout the term. She is on the right track.
75. A pleasing turnaround. His positive attitude has made the difference.
76. She has worked hard to improve her weak subjects. Commendable effort.
77. Marked improvement in reading and writing. Keep reading every day.
78. He has risen several places in the class. A well-deserved improvement.

Comments on Behaviour and Conduct

79. A well-behaved, respectful and polite student.
80. She is a good role model for her classmates.
81. He is helpful, friendly and gets along well with others.
82. A disciplined and responsible member of the class.
83. She is honest and can always be trusted with responsibility.
84. He shows good leadership qualities and should be encouraged.
85. She is kind and considerate towards her classmates.
86. He needs to talk less in class and listen more.
87. She should learn to control her temper when things do not go her way.
88. He must show more respect for school rules and for his teachers.
89. She is often late to class. Punctuality must improve.
90. He is easily influenced by others; he should make better choices.
91. A quiet and gentle student who should participate more in class.
92. He is neat and takes good care of his books and uniform.
93. She volunteers readily and takes pride in her work.
94. He must take better care of his books and school property.

Comments on Attendance and Punctuality

95. Excellent attendance throughout the term. Well done.
96. Regular and punctual — a fine example to others.
97. Frequent absence has affected her results. Regular attendance is essential.
98. He missed several days this term; he should catch up on the notes he missed.
99. Lateness to school must stop. Parents are kindly asked to assist.
100. Good attendance; punctuality in the mornings can still improve.

Subject-Specific Comments

English Language

101. She reads fluently and with expression. Her essays would benefit from more detail.
102. He needs to improve his spelling and punctuation. Daily reading will help.
103. Strong comprehension skills. She should practise summary writing.
104. His spoken English has improved greatly this term.

Mathematics

105. She is quick and accurate with calculations. Well done.
106. He understands the methods but makes careless errors. He should check his work.
107. She needs more practice with fractions and decimals.
108. Excellent problem-solving skills. He is ready for more challenging work.
109. He should learn his multiplication tables thoroughly.

Basic Science / Sciences

110. She shows real curiosity in practical work. Keep asking questions.
111. He understands the concepts well but must learn the correct terminology.
112. Good practical skills; her written answers need more explanation.

Social Studies, Civic Education and Humanities

113. She has a good understanding of current affairs and civic responsibility.
114. He should read his notes more carefully to remember key facts and dates.

Computer Studies / ICT

115. He is confident with the computer and helps others in the lab.
116. She should practise her typing and file-management skills.

Creative Arts, Music and Physical Education

117. A talented artist with a good eye for detail.
118. He participates enthusiastically in sports and shows good teamwork.
119. She sings confidently and performs well in group activities.

Comments for Nursery and Early Years

120. She is settling in well and enjoys learning through play.
121. He can now recognise and write all the letters of the alphabet. Well done.
122. She can count to 50 confidently and is learning to add.
123. He is learning to share and take turns with his friends.
124. She speaks clearly and enjoys rhymes and songs.
125. He needs practice holding his pencil correctly.
126. She is becoming more independent and confident each week.
127. He is a happy child who loves story time.
128. She should practise colouring within the lines to build control.
129. He is beginning to read simple words. Please read with him at home.

Principal's and Head Teacher's Comments

The principal's comment is shorter and confirms the overall picture. Pair it with the result and the promotion decision.

For strong results

130. Excellent result. Keep it up.
131. A brilliant performance. The school is proud of you.
132. Very good result. Aim even higher next term.
133. Commendable effort. Well done.
134. An outstanding term. Keep shining.

For average results

135. A fair result. You can do better.
136. Satisfactory. More effort is required next term.
137. Good effort, but there is room for improvement.
138. Work harder to improve your weaker subjects.

For weak results

139. Below expectation. Sit up next term.
140. A weak result. Parents should see the class teacher.
141. More seriousness is required. The school is ready to support you.
142. You can do much better than this. Work harder.

Promotion and End-of-Session Comments

143. Promoted to the next class. Congratulations.
144. Promoted. Well done on a successful session.
145. Promoted on trial. Significant improvement is expected next session.
146. Advised to repeat. The school will discuss this with the parents.
147. Promoted with distinction. An excellent session.
148. Promoted. He must work on his weak subjects during the holiday.
149. A successful session. Have a restful holiday and come back ready.
150. Well done on completing the session. Read during the holidays.

Comments for the End of Term and Holidays

151. Have a restful holiday and keep reading.
152. Use the holiday to practise Mathematics a little every day.
153. Read at least one storybook during the holiday.
154. Well done this term. Enjoy your holiday and come back refreshed.
155. Revise this term's notes before resumption.

Words to Avoid on a Report Card

Some words do more harm than good, and parents remember them for years:

Avoid	Write instead
Lazy	Needs to put in more consistent effort
Dull / slow	Is still developing in… / needs more time and practice with…
Stubborn	Should learn to accept correction
Troublesome	Needs to follow class rules more closely
Always / never	Often / sometimes
Cannot	Is learning to

The goal is not to soften the truth — it is to describe behaviour the child can change, rather than label a child who cannot.

How to Write 40 Comments Without Repeating Yourself

• Write the remark straight after you check the scores, while the child's term is fresh in your mind — not all at the end.
• Keep a short note per child during the term — one line when something notable happens. Those notes become your comments.
• Group by pattern, then personalise. Start from a comment above that matches the pattern, then add one detail only that child has.
• Let your software do the arithmetic. When totals, averages and positions are calculated automatically, the hours you used to spend checking sums can go into comments instead.

That last point is the real time-saver. In SchoolKit, teachers enter CA and exam scores once; totals, grades and positions are worked out for them, and the class teacher's and principal's remarks sit on the same report card — reviewed and approved before anything reaches a parent. If you want to understand the calculations themselves, see our guide to the Nigerian school grading system and how to calculate results.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should a teacher write as a remark on a report card?

A good report card remark names one specific strength, one specific area to improve and a next step, in a sentence or two. For example: 'Tobi reads fluently and contributes well in class. He should practise his times tables at home to improve in Mathematics.'

What is a good comment for an excellent student?

Be specific about what made the term excellent rather than writing 'Excellent result' alone. For example: 'An outstanding term. Her consistent effort and careful work show in every subject. Keep aiming high.'

How do you comment on a weak student's report card without discouraging them?

Start with something genuine the child does well, name the one or two subjects that need attention, and give a concrete action for the home. For example: 'Chidi is cheerful and well-behaved. He needs extra practice in reading and Mathematics; 20 minutes of reading at home each evening will help.'

What is the difference between the class teacher's remark and the principal's comment?

The class teacher's remark is detailed and personal because the teacher sees the child daily. The principal's or head teacher's comment is shorter and usually confirms the overall performance, the promotion decision or a call to action for the parent.

Can report card comments be generated automatically?

School software can suggest comments based on a student's scores, but a teacher should always read and approve the final remark. In SchoolKit, nothing goes to parents until the school has reviewed and approved the report card.