The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening child safeguarding in schools and ensuring that learning environments remain safe for children.
The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Hon. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, said schools must provide more than academic instruction, stressing that children should be able to learn in environments where they feel safe, protected and respected.
Alli-Balogun made the commitment as the ministry joined the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) in its September campaign against sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
The commissioner said educators, school authorities and other stakeholders have a shared responsibility to prevent abuse and create systems that enable timely intervention when concerns involving children arise.
“Schools are not just institutions of learning; they are havens where children should feel safe, valued, protected, and empowered to thrive,” he said.
He added that no child should experience abuse, fear, silence or shame within the school environment, stressing the importance of safeguarding mechanisms and prompt action when incidents are reported.
According to the commissioner, the ministry’s participation in the campaign reflects its commitment to making child safety an integral part of school administration and education delivery across Lagos State.
The ministry said safeguarding systems and timely intervention remain important to protecting children and ensuring that concerns involving sexual or gender-based violence are addressed appropriately.
The state government also encouraged members of the public, including parents, teachers, school staff and students, to report cases or suspected incidents of domestic or sexual violence through the designated reporting channel.
Residents can contact the Lagos State toll-free line on 08000-333-333 to report cases of domestic or sexual violence.
The government’s message forms part of the September campaign themed around ending sexual and gender-based violence, with the state calling for collective action to strengthen protection for children and other vulnerable persons.
The ministry said the goal is to ensure that schools remain environments where children can learn and develop without fear of abuse, intimidation or violence.
