In a bid to reinforce its commitment to providing safe, secure and child-friendly learning environments, the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB) has inaugurated School Safety and Security Response Teams across public primary schools in Lagos State.
The inauguration took place during a Stakeholders’ Engagement Forum held on Thursday, 8 January, 2025, with the participation of education stakeholders, school administrators, parents’ representatives, community leaders and security agencies.
Speaking at the event, the state Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Tolani Ali-Balogun, who declared the inauguration open, stated that the initiative is strengthened through deliberate collaboration with security operatives in the State. He explained that the partnership is aimed at ensuring swift response to security threats, effective intelligence sharing, and sustained protection of pupils, teachers and school facilities.
In his remarks, the Chairman of LASUBEB, Dr. Hakeem Shittu, noted that the School Safety and Security Response Teams are structured to proactively identify risks, manage emergencies and serve as the first line of response within school communities, while working in synergy with relevant security agencies. He stressed that a secure school environment is a non-negotiable foundation for effective teaching and learning.
Dr. Shittu added that the initiative aligns with the Lagos State Government’s child protection and education safety framework, emphasizing that school safety is a collective responsibility requiring strong institutional and community collaboration.
He further stated that the collaboration with State security operatives marks a significant milestone in LASUBEB’s drive to guarantee safe, secure and conducive learning environments across Lagos State public primary schools.
Also speaking, the General Manager of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Ifalade Oyekan, described the engagement as timely and strategic, urging school heads and stakeholders to sustain cooperation with the response teams and security operatives to ensure effective implementation.
He emphasized the need for integrity, vigilance and strict adherence to established safety protocols at all times.
