Lagos strengthens security around schools

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State has ordered security agencies to beef up security around schools in the state, saying the government owes it to the people the responsibility of ensuring their safety at all times.

The order came a day after the governor signed a law authorising death penalty on conviction for kidnappers whose victim dies in their custody. Ambode issued the fresh security order while laying the foundation for a new Model School at Awori College, Ojo, where he also said the government would be supplying 40,000 students’ furniture to schools quarterly, to clear the shortfall of 160,000.

The governor, represented by Idiat Adebule, his deputy, at the foundation laying, said: “Let me assure all parents that we will continue to do our very best to ensure that our schools are safe from intruders. We have put in place measures to secure our pupils, students, teaching and non-teaching staff. Our standards are high and we will continue to make them better.”

He disclosed that his administration had awarded contract for the construction of eight new blocks of classrooms as well as the renovation of 174 existing blocks of classrooms and the construction of perimeter fence in various schools to enhance security.

“Today, we are introducing a new model of block of classrooms in our public secondary schools. This edifice, apart from aiding teaching and learning, will compare favourably with high school structures in leading countries of the world.

“Apart from the aesthetics value, the new structure is capable of enhancing security of students, staff and schools materials in the face of the recent security breaches in our schools. It would comprise 36 classrooms, library, staff rooms, multipurpose hall, laboratories, principal/Vice Principal’s offices and modern toilet facilities for both junior and senior schools,” he said.

The governor, who assured students in the state that his administration was committed to building a future of great opportunities, possibilities and prosperity through the provision of qualitative education, said the performance of students in the last West African Examination Council (WAEC) examination was most assuring and an indication that Lagos was headed in the right direction.

Lanre Ogunyemi, chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly committee on education, on his path, acknowledged the government’s prompt response to issues bordering on education and development.

“This present administration recently employed about 1,300 teachers and is about employing another 1,000. All these and other achievements have been made possible due to good managers and able-lieutenants at the helm of affairs in the state,” he said.