The Lagos State Government has reiterated its strict prohibition of corporal punishment in public schools, emphasizing the use of counselling as a more effective disciplinary measure. The state’s Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Alli-Balogun, reaffirmed this stance during a recent interview, highlighting the dangers of flogging and the benefits of non-violent corrective approaches.
“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 explained that flogging poses risks such as injuries, fainting, or even fatal incidents, making it an unacceptable form of discipline. Instead, he endorsed minor corrective measures like kneeling, picking up litter, or cutting grass within school premises as part of a “positive reinforcement” strategy.
“The idea is to bring to the student’s knowledge the reasons they must not misbehave,” Alli-Balogun said. “Counselling is basically to correct and guide students toward better behaviour.”
He attributed most cases of student misbehaviour to poor parental upbringing and called on parents to take a more active role in their children’s lives. Since the ban on flogging was implemented, the commissioner noted a significant improvement in student discipline, with pupils becoming more conscious of their actions and the consequences.
Lagos State officially banned corporal punishment in both public and private schools in 2022. That same year, the government launched the Safeguarding and Child Protection Programme in Schools to reinforce child safety and promote alternative disciplinary measures.
The commissioner’s remarks underscore the state’s commitment to creating a safe and supportive learning environment for students while fostering positive behavioural change through non-violent means.
