Lagos govt tightens safety measures as schools resume

The Lagos State Government (LASG) has stepped up safety and security measures in schools as pupils and students get set to resume for the 2026/2027 academic session.

The News Agency of Nigeria NAN reports that Lagos State public primary and secondary schools will resume on Monday.

In a statement on Monday, the state Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Jamiu Alli-Balogun, advised school communities to remain vigilant.

The statement was issued by the Director of Public Affairs in the ministry, Mrs Basirat Lawal.

Alli-Balogun said that it was mindful of the safety and wellbeing of children, urging other stakeholders to collaborate with it to make safety, health and wellbeing of learners, teachers and others a collective responsibility.

He called on parents, pupils, students, teachers, administrators and other stakeholders to promptly report any security concerns, unsafe conditions, damaged facilities and health-related issues to appropriate authorities.

The commissioner directed schools to sustain clean and conducive learning environments, including functional water supply systems and sanitation and hygiene facilities, to protect learners and staff of schools.

“The new session provides another opportunity to strengthen learning, discipline, character development, innovation and excellence across schools through shared commitment and collective responsibility,” he added.

Alli-Balogun advised learners to maintain personal hygiene, avoid littering, wash hands regularly, practise good respiratory hygiene, and dispose of waste properly.

He advised schoolchildren to avoid sharing personal items and encouraged schools to ensure adequate classroom ventilation and regular cleaning of frequently-touched surfaces.

“Teachers, administrators and non-teaching staff are expected to lead by example by maintaining high standards of personal hygiene, environmental cleanliness and safety,”  he said.

The government said that its model colleges were expected to resume on Sunday.

The official urged school communities to cooperate with school authorities and report situations that could compromise the safety or wellbeing of learners and school personnel.