Lagos Schools Ban Flogging, Adopt Counselling for Discipline, Says Commissioner
The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its ban on corporal punishment in public schools, advocating for counselling as a more effective and non-violent approach to discipline. The state’s Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Alli-Balogun, reiterated this stance during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday, emphasizing that flogging students for indiscipline or misbehaviour remains strictly prohibited.
“There is a policy here in Lagos and other parts of the country prohibiting teachers from giving corporal punishment to students and pupils,” Alli-Balogun stated. “Against flogging, we have adopted counselling as a measure of correction.”
The commissioner highlighted the dangers of corporal punishment, including the risk of injuries, fainting, or even fatal incidents. He explained that the state has embraced alternative disciplinary measures, such as minor corrective actions like kneeling, picking up litter, or cutting grass within school premises. These measures, he noted, are part of a “positive reinforcement” strategy designed to shape student behaviour and encourage desirable outcomes.
“The idea is to bring to the student’s knowledge the reasons they must not misbehave,” Alli-Balogun said. “The counselling is basically to correct.”
Alli-Balogun also pointed to poor parental upbringing as a significant factor contributing to student misbehaviour. He urged parents to take a more active role in their children’s lives, emphasizing the importance of guidance and support in fostering discipline and responsibility.
Since the ban on flogging was implemented, the commissioner noted a marked improvement in student discipline. “Students have become more conscious of their actions and the potential consequences,” he said, underscoring the effectiveness of non-violent disciplinary measures.
The Lagos State Government officially prohibited corporal punishment in both public and private schools in 2022. That same year, it launched the Safeguarding and Child Protection Programme in Schools to reinforce child safety and promote alternative disciplinary methods.
The move aligns with global best practices in education, which increasingly favour non-violent approaches to discipline. By prioritising counselling and positive reinforcement, Lagos State aims to create a safer and more supportive learning environment for its students.
As the policy continues to yield positive results, stakeholders are hopeful that it will serve as a model for other states in Nigeria, encouraging a nationwide shift away from corporal punishment in schools.
