Flogging prohibited in Lagos schools, commissioner insists

The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its ban on corporal punishment in public schools, highlighting counselling as a more effective method of discipline.

During an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday, the state’s Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Alli-Balogun, reiterated this position. He emphasized that physical punishment, such as flogging, is strictly forbidden to avoid injuries, fainting, or even fatal incidents.

“There exists a policy in Lagos and across the nation that prohibits teachers from administering corporal punishment to students,” stated Alli-Balogun. “In place of flogging, we have embraced counselling as a corrective measure.”

In advocating for a non-violent approach, the commissioner mentioned that minor corrective actions, such as kneeling, picking up litter, or cutting grass on school grounds, could serve as alternatives. He referred to these actions as part of “positive reinforcement,” a strategy designed to influence student behaviour and foster positive outcomes.

“The objective is to make students aware of the reasons they should refrain from misbehaving,” he clarified. “Counselling is fundamentally aimed at correction.”

Alli-Balogun attributed many instances of student misbehaviour to inadequate parental guidance and urged parents to take a more active role in their children's lives.

He also noted that since the prohibition of flogging, there has been a marked improvement in student discipline, with students becoming increasingly aware of their actions and the potential repercussions.

In 2022, the Lagos State Government officially prohibited corporal punishment in both public and private schools. That same year, it initiated the Safeguarding and Child Protection Programme in Schools to enhance child safety and promote alternative disciplinary practices.