The Lagos State Government has intensified efforts to make public schools safer by launching a campaign against sexual violence, bullying, cultism and substance abuse.
The sensitization programme, held on Wednesday in Ikeja, was organized by the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education in collaboration with the Domestic and Social Violence Agency (DSVA) and the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.
The initiative is aimed at promoting safe learning environments where children can learn, grow and speak out without fear.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Alli-Balogun, described gender-based violence, bullying, cultism and drug abuse as serious threats to the safety, emotional well-being and academic development of students across the state.
He urged teachers to go beyond their traditional role as educators by serving as mentors who can identify early warning signs, remain approachable to students and respond promptly to reports of abuse.
Alli-Balogun also called on parents, religious leaders and community stakeholders to work together to protect children, stressing that safeguarding young people is a collective responsibility.
“Collaboration is key in this mission. Through partnerships such as this, we continue to strengthen child protection and promote positive values across our public secondary schools,” he said.
He warned teachers against ignoring cases of abuse or bullying.
“Teachers must never ignore reports of abuse or bullying because every child deserves protection, dignity, fairness and opportunities to reach their highest aspirations,” he added.
Addressing students, the commissioner urged them to reject cultism, drug abuse and violence while embracing respect, kindness and the courage to report abuse.
“Students should reject cultism, drugs and violence, embrace respect and kindness, and courageously speak out whenever classmates experience intimidation, harassment or any form of abuse,” he said.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite, reaffirmed the state’s zero-tolerance policy on sexual violence, bullying, cultism and drug abuse in schools.
She urged students, teachers, parents and community members to promote discipline, vigilance and mutual respect as essential values within the education system.
“Protecting our children requires collective action, and every student and teacher must stand firmly against sexual violence, bullying, cultism and drug abuse in our schools,” she said.
She also encouraged students to speak up whenever they witness or experience abuse.
“Our students must remember that their voice matters. Speak up when you witness or experience any form of abuse or intimidation. Together, we can build a culture of respect, empathy and accountability in all our schools,” she said.
The Executive Secretary of the Domestic and Social Violence Agency, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, advised students to avoid isolated places, reject inappropriate touching and report any form of abuse immediately, regardless of the identity of the perpetrator.
“Always speak out, avoid secluded places, reject inappropriate touching, and report any unnecessary advances immediately to 0800 0333 333, regardless of whether they come from teachers or peers,” she said.
She concluded with a call for collective vigilance.
“If you see something, say something, and do something. Lagos State says ‘No’ to child abuse. Child protection is everyone’s responsibility,” she said.
The programme was attended by representatives and students from the six education districts in Lagos, alongside officials from the Domestic and Social Violence Agency and the Ministry of Youth and Social Development.
Umm e Habiba, Pakistan.
