Lagos intensifies campaign against SGBV, bullying, cultism in schools

The Lagos State Government has intensified its campaign against sexual and gender-based violence, SGBV, bullying, cultism and drug abuse in schools, warning that the rising social problems threaten the safety, mental well-being and future of children across the state.

Speaking on Wednesday during a sensitisation programme held in Alausa, Ikeja, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, said the government would continue to strengthen child protection policies, school safety initiatives and counselling services to ensure that students learn in a secure and supportive environment.

The 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,” brought together education stakeholders, students and government officials.

Alli-Balogun stated that schools should serve not only as centres of academic learning but also as institutions for building responsible, disciplined and morally upright citizens.

“Education is not merely about acquiring academic knowledge; it is about nurturing responsible, confident, morally upright and productive citizens,” the commissioner said.

“A child cannot learn effectively in an environment characterised by fear, intimidation, violence, abuse or insecurity,” he added.

The commissioner described sexual and gender-based violence as one of the most serious dangers facing children, noting that abuse, harassment, discrimination and exploitation continue to affect the physical, emotional and academic development of learners.

He also expressed concern over increasing cases of bullying, cultism and drug abuse within and around schools, warning that such activities encourage indiscipline, violence and criminal behaviour among young people.

According to him, tackling the growing challenges requires collective efforts from government agencies, parents, teachers, religious bodies, community leaders, civil society groups, security agencies and students themselves.

Alli-Balogun urged teachers to see themselves not only as classroom instructors but also as mentors, counsellors and protectors capable of identifying early signs of abuse, emotional trauma and harmful behaviour among students.

He encouraged educators to create an atmosphere of open communication, promptly address reports of bullying or abuse and strengthen confidential reporting mechanisms in schools.

Addressing students at the event, the commissioner urged them to reject violence, cultism, bullying and drug abuse while promoting tolerance, discipline and mutual respect regardless of religion, ethnicity or gender.

He also advised students to support classmates facing abuse or intimidation and to report inappropriate conduct to trusted adults, stressing that integrity, empathy and respect for others remain the true measure of strength.

The commissioner further appealed to parents and guardians to remain actively involved in the lives of their children by maintaining healthy communication, monitoring their online and offline activities and creating safe spaces where children can freely discuss personal challenges.

Reaffirming the state government’s commitment to safer learning environments, Alli-Balogun said Lagos State would continue investing in child protection programmes, teacher training, counselling services and strategic partnerships aimed at protecting students.

Also speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite, said the programme reflected the commitment of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu to ensuring safe, inclusive and violence-free schools across the state.

She noted that the sensitisation programme was organised by the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Social Development and the Lagos State DSVA.

Dokunmu-Adegbite stressed that education goes beyond academic performance and must also focus on raising disciplined, responsible and morally upright citizens in an atmosphere where students feel protected, respected and empowered.

Describing the programme’s theme as timely, she said addressing violence and other harmful practices in schools requires active participation from government, teachers, parents, communities and students.

She also encouraged students to speak out whenever they experience or witness abuse, intimidation or violence, assuring them that their voices are essential in building a culture of accountability, empathy and respect in schools across Lagos State.

Lagos intensifies campaign against SGBV, bullying, cultism in schools