In order to address student misbehaviour, the Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to prohibiting corporal punishment in public schools and placed an emphasis on the use of counselling and mild corrective methods.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, Mr. Jamiu Alli-Balogun, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, reiterated that corporal punishment, including flogging, is still strictly forbidden in all schools in the state.
According to Alli-Balogun, flogging has significant hazards, such as bodily harm, fainting, and, in the worst situations, death. He emphasised how crucial it is to use safer, more effective forms of discipline.

“Flogging is not the ideal way to correct a student,” Alli-Balogun stated. “Lagos, like many other states, has a clear policy that forbids teachers from using corporal punishment. Instead, we encourage counseling as a primary corrective approach.”
The government encourages the employment of mild corrective activities including kneeling, picking up trash, and mowing the lawn on school property as an alternative to physical punishment. These are intended to help students behave better while preserving their safety and dignity, especially when paired with counselling.
This program is a component of the state’s larger positive reinforcement approach, which aims to encourage kids to behave well and develop a feeling of responsibility.
“The goal is to help students understand why their behavior is unacceptable and correct it through guidance,” Alli-Balogun added.
The Commissioner also urged parents to take more responsibility for raising their children, stressing the critical role parents play in influencing their behaviour.
“Parents need to be more involved and attentive to their children. While the government is doing its part to eliminate indiscipline, a joint effort is necessary to create a safe, supportive learning environment,” he said.
Student behaviour in Lagos schools has significantly improved after the introduction of the ban on corporal punishment in 2022. The Safeguarding and Child Protection Program, which aims to preserve a safe and encouraging learning environment throughout the state, has provided additional support for these advancements.
With these continuous initiatives, the Lagos State Government keeps the welfare and growth of its pupils as a top priority, promoting a disciplined and respectful environment without turning to destructive methods.
CREDIT: ALLSCHOOL, Allschoolabs