The Lagos State Government, under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed its ban on corporal punishment in public schools, emphasizing that counselling and positive reinforcement are more effective correctional measures for addressing student misbehavior.
In a statement released on Monday, the State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Alli-Balogun, reiterated that flogging students for indiscipline or misconduct remains strictly prohibited across Lagos public schools.
The Commissioner stressed that the policy aims to protect students from physical harm and eliminate incidents where students faint, sustain injuries, or, in extreme cases, lose their lives due to excessive corporal punishment by teachers.
Alli-Balogun emphasized that counselling, combined with effective communication and behavioural intervention strategies, provides a healthier and more sustainable approach to student discipline, in line with global best practices in child development and education management.
“There is a policy here in Lagos and other parts of the country prohibiting teachers from giving corporal punishment to students/pupils.
“Against flogging of students, we have adopted counselling as a measure of correction,” he said.
Alli-Balogun stressed that minor punishments such as kneeling, picking up dirt, and cutting grass within the school premises could also be applied.
“This is part of our positive reinforcement, it is a powerful tool for shaping behaviour and encouraging desired outcomes.
“The idea is to bring to the student’s knowledge, reasons he/she must not misbehave. The counselling is basically to correct,” he said, blaming most misbehaviour by students on poor parental upbringing.
“Parents must wake up to their responsibilities and have time for their children.
“As a government, we will continue to do our best to eradicate indiscipline and make the learning environment friendly for all,” he added.
The commissioner stated that there has been a notable enhancement in student discipline.