Lagos Teachers Advocate Enhanced Safety Measures in Schools

Lagos Teachers Advocate Enhanced Safety Measures in Schools
Comrade Hassan Akintoye said quality education can only thrive in an environment where both teachers and students feel safe
Akintoye expressed confidence that the annual lecture would generate practical recommendations to strengthen school safety across the state

Teachers in Lagos State have called on the state government and security agencies to strengthen security across schools to ensure a safe environment for teaching and learning.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that the appeal was made on Wednesday by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Lagos State Wing, during its fourth annual lecture and award ceremony held in honour of the union’s former National President, Mr Michael Olukoya.

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The event, themed “School Safety: Stakeholders’ Strategy and Inputs,” brought together teachers, school administrators, government officials and representatives of security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), from across the six education districts in the state.

Speaking at the event, the Lagos State Chairman of the NUT, Comrade Hassan Akintoye, said quality education can only thrive in an environment where both teachers and students feel safe.

He noted that schools should remain centres for learning, innovation and character development rather than places where insecurity, bullying, violence, abuse, drug-related activities and environmental hazards threaten lives.

According to him, a safe school is one where students can learn without fear, teachers can perform their duties confidently, and parents are assured that their children are protected while in school.

Lagos Teachers Advocate Enhanced Safety Measures in Schools

Akintoye described school safety as a collective responsibility but stressed that the government has the primary obligation to safeguard lives and property.

He urged the government to invest in security infrastructure, including perimeter fencing, surveillance systems, emergency response mechanisms and policies that prioritise the safety of students and teachers.

The union leader also called for greater use of technology to improve school security through digital attendance systems, visitor management procedures, emergency communication channels and regular safety drills.

He emphasised that such measures should be implemented proactively to prevent security incidents rather than responding after they occur.

Akintoye expressed confidence that the annual lecture would generate practical recommendations to strengthen school safety across the state.

While commending the Lagos State Government for its investment in education, teacher welfare and capacity building, he warned against complacency, noting that despite Lagos being relatively peaceful, authorities must remain vigilant to prevent potential threats to schools.