Lagos govt directs schools to prioritise safety, hygiene as new session begins

The Lagos State Government has directed public and private schools across the state to place greater emphasis on safety, cleanliness and healthy practices as learners and staff resume for the 2026/2027 academic session on Monday, September 14, 2026.

The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, issued the directive in a statement on Friday welcoming pupils, students, teachers, school administrators, non-teaching staff and other stakeholders back to school.

Alli-Balogun said the new academic session offered an opportunity to further strengthen learning, discipline, character development, innovation and excellence within the state’s education system.

He commended parents, learners and education personnel for their continued commitment to the sector and urged them to begin the session with renewed energy and determination to achieve both academic and personal goals.

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The commissioner stressed that protecting the health, safety and well-being of learners and staff should be regarded as a shared responsibility as schools reopen.

He urged pupils and students to maintain cleanliness in classrooms, toilets, laboratories, playgrounds and other school facilities. Learners were also advised to wash their hands regularly with soap and safe water, especially before eating and after using the toilet, while avoiding littering and disposing of waste in designated bins.

The government cautioned learners against sharing personal items such as drinking cups, cutlery and towels, noting that such practices could contribute to the spread of infections. They were also encouraged to observe proper respiratory hygiene by covering their mouths and noses when they cough or sneeze.

Schools, the commissioner said, should prevent unnecessary overcrowding and maintain adequate ventilation in classrooms and other enclosed areas. Learners were equally urged to promptly report unsafe conditions, damaged facilities and health concerns to their teachers or school authorities.

Alli-Balogun further called on teachers, administrators and non-teaching personnel to lead by example by maintaining high standards of personal hygiene, environmental cleanliness and safety within school premises.

He also directed school authorities to ensure that water, sanitation and hygiene facilities remained functional, while classrooms and frequently touched surfaces were cleaned regularly.

According to the government, the measures are designed to ensure that schools remain safe, clean, healthy, inclusive and conducive environments for learning throughout the 2026/2027 academic session.

The commissioner urged all members of the school community to work collectively towards a successful academic year.

The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite, also wished pupils, students, teachers, school administrators and non-teaching staff a safe, productive and successful academic session.

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