Lagos govt directs schools to prioritise safety, hygiene as new session begins
The Lagos State Government has directed public and private schools to prioritise the safety, health and wellbeing of pupils, students and staff as the 2026/2027 academic session begins.
The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Alli-Balogun, gave the directive in a statement ahead of the resumption of schools on Monday, September 14, 2026.
Alli-Balogun urged school communities to maintain clean and safe learning environments throughout the session.
He advised pupils and students to keep classrooms, toilets, laboratories, playgrounds and other school facilities clean at all times.
The commissioner also urged learners to wash their hands regularly with soap and safe water, particularly before eating and after using the toilet.
He warned against littering and directed students to dispose of waste properly in designated bins.
The government further advised pupils and students against sharing personal items such as drinking cups, cutlery and towels to reduce the risk of infections.
They were also urged to practise good respiratory hygiene by covering their mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing.
Alli-Balogun called on schools to avoid unnecessary overcrowding and ensure proper ventilation in classrooms and other enclosed spaces.
He also urged pupils, students and staff to promptly report unsafe conditions, damaged facilities and health concerns to school authorities.
The commissioner said teachers, administrators and non-teaching staff must lead by example by maintaining high standards of personal hygiene, environmental cleanliness and safety.
He directed school authorities to ensure that water, sanitation and hygiene facilities remained functional and that classrooms and frequently touched surfaces were cleaned regularly.
The Lagos State Government had earlier fixed Monday, September 14, 2026, as the resumption date for public and private primary and secondary schools across the state.
