The Lagos State Government has issued fresh safety, hygiene and environmental guidelines to schools ahead of the reopening of public and private schools for the 2026/2027 academic session on Monday, September 14, 2026.
The directives, issued through the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, are aimed at ensuring that pupils, students and school personnel return to clean, healthy and safe learning environments across the state.
The government, on Sunday in a statement made available to The Guild, urged all pupils and students to maintain high standards of cleanliness in classrooms, toilets, laboratories, playgrounds and other school facilities, while schools were directed to ensure that water, sanitation and hygiene facilities remained functional.
Students were also advised to wash their hands regularly with soap and safe water, particularly before eating and after using the toilet, as part of measures to prevent the spread of infections.
The government, meanwhile, warned against littering, directing pupils and students to dispose of waste properly in designated bins.
They were further advised against sharing personal items such as drinking cups, cutlery and towels, which could facilitate the spread of infections.
Emphasising respiratory hygiene, the government urged students to cover their mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing, while schools were encouraged to avoid unnecessary overcrowding and ensure adequate ventilation in classrooms and enclosed spaces.
The government also directed pupils, students and staff to promptly report unsafe conditions, damaged facilities and health concerns to teachers or school authorities.
Teachers, school administrators and non-teaching staff, according to the directive, are expected to lead by example by maintaining high standards of personal hygiene, environmental cleanliness and safety within school premises.
The government also called for regular cleaning of classrooms and frequently touched surfaces to further promote healthy school environments.
Welcoming pupils, students, teachers, administrators and other stakeholders back to school, the state government said the new academic session offered another opportunity to strengthen learning, discipline, character development, innovation and excellence across Lagos schools.
The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite, wished members of the school community a safe, productive and successful academic session.
The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, also urged all stakeholders to work together to build schools that are safe, clean, healthy, inclusive and conducive to learning.