Lagos Declares Zero Tolerance for Bullying, Cultism, Gender Violence in Schools

The Lagos State Government has launched a renewed campaign against sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), bullying, cultism and drug abuse in schools, describing the growing social vices as serious threats to the safety, well-being and future of children.

The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, made this known on Wednesday during a sensitisation programme in Alausa, Ikeja, 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."

He said the state government would continue strengthening child protection policies, school safety measures, guidance and counselling services to ensure every learner studies in a safe and supportive environment.

According to the commissioner, schools must provide not only quality education but also an atmosphere where children can develop into responsible, confident and morally upright citizens.

"Education is not merely about acquiring academic knowledge; it is about nurturing responsible, confident, morally upright and productive citizens. A child cannot learn effectively in an environment characterised by fear, intimidation, violence, abuse or insecurity," he said.

Alli-Balogun identified sexual and gender-based violence as one of the most serious threats facing children, warning that abuse, harassment, exploitation, discrimination and other harmful practices continue to undermine the physical, emotional and educational development of learners.

He also expressed concern over the rising cases of bullying, cult-related activities and drug abuse in and around schools, noting that such behaviours encourage indiscipline, violence and criminality while jeopardising the future of young people.

The commissioner stressed that tackling the problem requires collective action involving government, parents, teachers, students, community leaders, religious organisations, civil society groups and security agencies.

He urged teachers to go beyond classroom instruction by serving as mentors, counsellors and protectors capable of identifying early signs of abuse, emotional distress and harmful behaviour among students.

He also encouraged educators to promote open communication, respond promptly to complaints of bullying or abuse and strengthen child protection mechanisms through confidential reporting channels and strict compliance with established safeguarding policies.

Addressing students, Alli-Balogun urged them to reject bullying, cultism, violence and drug abuse while embracing discipline, respect and tolerance regardless of gender, religion or ethnicity.

He encouraged learners to support classmates experiencing intimidation or abuse and report inappropriate behaviour to trusted adults, saying true strength lies in compassion, integrity and respect for others.

The commissioner further appealed to parents and guardians to remain actively involved in their children's lives by maintaining open communication, monitoring both online and offline activities, and creating an environment where children feel comfortable discussing personal challenges.

Reaffirming the government's commitment to safer schools, he said Lagos State would continue investing in child protection initiatives, teacher capacity development, guidance and counselling services, and strategic partnerships aimed at safeguarding learners.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite, said the sensitisation programme reflects the administration's commitment to building safe, inclusive and violence-free learning environments.

She noted that the initiative, organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Social Development and the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), demonstrates the government's determination to combat sexual and gender-based violence, bullying, cultism and drug abuse through coordinated action.

Dokunmu-Adegbite said education goes beyond academic achievement, stressing that schools must also nurture responsible and disciplined citizens in environments where students feel protected, respected and empowered.

She urged students to speak up whenever they witness or experience abuse, intimidation or any form of violence, describing their voices as essential to building a culture of respect, empathy and accountability across schools in Lagos State.