The Lagos State Government has launched a renewed campaign against sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), bullying, cultism and drug abuse in schools, warning that the growing social vices pose a serious threat to the safety, well-being and future of children across the state.
Speaking on Wednesday at a sensitisation programme themed “Zero Tolerance for Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and Protecting Our Future: The Role of Students and Teachers in Combating Bullying, Cultism and Drug Abuse,” held in Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, said the government would continue to strengthen child protection policies, school safety measures and guidance services to ensure every learner studies in a secure and supportive environment.
He described schools as places where children should not only acquire academic knowledge but also develop into responsible and morally upright citizens, stressing that learning cannot flourish in an atmosphere of fear, intimidation, violence or abuse.
“Education is not merely about acquiring academic knowledge; it is about nurturing responsible, confident, morally upright and productive citizens,” the commissioner said, adding that “A child cannot learn effectively in an environment characterised by fear, intimidation, violence, abuse or insecurity.”
Alli-Balogun identified sexual and gender-based violence as one of the gravest threats confronting children, noting that abuse, harassment, exploitation, discrimination and other harmful practices continue to undermine the physical, emotional and educational well-being of learners.
He also expressed concern over the increasing incidence of bullying, cult-related activities and drug abuse in and around schools, warning that the trends fuel indiscipline, violence and criminality while jeopardising the future of young people.
According to him, addressing the challenges requires a whole-of-society approach involving government, parents, teachers, community leaders, religious institutions, civil society organisations, security agencies and students.
The commissioner urged teachers to go beyond classroom instruction by serving as mentors, counsellors and protectors capable of identifying early warning signs of abuse, emotional distress and harmful behaviour among students.
He called on educators to encourage open communication, promptly address complaints of bullying or abuse and strengthen child protection mechanisms through confidential reporting channels and strict adherence to established policies.
Addressing students, Alli-Balogun challenged them to reject violence, bullying, cultism and drug abuse, while promoting respect, discipline and tolerance irrespective of gender, religion or ethnicity.
He encouraged learners to support classmates facing intimidation or abuse and report inappropriate behaviour to trusted adults, stressing that true strength lies in integrity, compassion and respect for others.
The commissioner also appealed to parents and guardians to remain actively involved in their children’s lives by maintaining open communication, monitoring their online and offline activities and creating an atmosphere of trust where children can freely discuss challenges affecting them.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to safer schools, he said Lagos State would continue investing in child protection initiatives, guidance and counselling services, teacher capacity development and strategic partnerships aimed at safeguarding learners.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite, said the sensitisation programme reflects the Lagos State Government’s unwavering commitment under Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu to creating safe, inclusive and violence-free learning environments where every child can learn, grow and thrive without fear.
She noted that the programme, organised by the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Social Development and the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), underscored the state’s determination to tackle sexual and gender-based violence, bullying, cultism and drug abuse through collective action.
Dokunmu-Adegbite said education extends beyond academic excellence, stressing that schools must also nurture responsible, disciplined and morally upright citizens in an environment where students feel protected, respected and empowered, while teachers are equipped to identify and respond to threats to learners’ welfare.
Describing the theme of the programme as timely, she said safeguarding schools requires the active participation of government, educators, parents, communities and students.
She urged students to speak up whenever they witness or experience abuse, intimidation or any form of violence, assuring them that their voices are critical to building a culture of respect, empathy and accountability in schools across the state.
