The Lagos State Government has made a bold and proactive move to safeguard the future of its young citizens by intensifying efforts to stamp out bullying, sexual and gender-based violence, cultism, and drug abuse in schools.
The government, during a sensitization programme themed “Zero Tolerance for Sexual and Gender-Based Violence” and “Protecting Our Future: The Role of Students and Teachers in Combating Bullying, Cultism, and Drug Abuse” bemoans occurrences of the unlawful acts, underscoring its determination to create safe, secure, and conducive learning environments for students.
During the event held on Wednesday at Alausa in Ikeja, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Alli-Balogun, informed that the State is not only raising awareness but also actively engaging students, teachers, and all education stakeholders in building a culture of zero tolerance for vices that threaten the well-being and future of Lagos children.
Alli-Balogun identified Sexual and Gender-Based Violence which include sexual harassment, abuse, exploitation, intimidation, discrimination, and harmful cultural practices, all of which violate the rights and dignity of the child as one of the most serious threats to the well-being of children and young people.
The commissioner equally expressed concern over the rising cases of bullying, cultism, and drug abuse in and around schools.
He called for collective action, noting that the government alone cannot solve these problems, charging all stakeholders, including parents, teachers, religious institutions, traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society organizations, security agencies, and the students to play a vital role in curbing these, and urged teachers to act as mentors, role models, counsellors, and protectors by being vigilant, approachable, and professional, while encouraging open communication, promoting respect and inclusion, and ensuring that all complaints of abuse or bullying were promptly addressed.
According to him, students are encouraged to reject violence, bullying, cultism, and drugs, to respect others, support victims, and report inappropriate behaviours, advising parents to be actively involved in their children’s lives, listen to them, monitor their activities, and build trusting relationships.
Alli-Balogun stated that the government remain committed to strengthening policies and programmes that promote child protection, school safety, guidance and counselling services, teacher capacity building, and partnerships with relevant stakeholders, adding that it shall continue to work tirelessly to ensure that every school becomes a place where every learner feels safe, valued, respected, and empowered to achieve his or her full potential.
The commissioner also called on all stakeholders to renew their commitment to a culture of zero tolerance for SGBV, bullying, cultism, and drug abuse so that schools become places where children learn without fear and excellence can thrive.
Speaking at the event, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite, commended the State Government’s strong commitment towards the welfare of students in the state under the administration of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, in ensuring a safe, secure, and inclusive schools where children could learn and grow without fear of violence, abuse, bullying, cultism, or substance abuse.
Dokunmu-Adegbite also emphasized that education is not only about academic excellence but also about building responsible, disciplined, and morally upright citizens, saying that every student deserved to feel protected and empowered, while teachers must be equipped to prevent and respond to threats against learners’ well-being.
“The core message is that safeguarding schools is a collective responsibility involving the government, educators, parents, communities, and students. Students are encouraged to speak up against abuse, teachers are appreciated for their role in shaping character, and partners are thanked for their collaboration in promoting child protection and positive values,” she stated.