Lagos State Government has reaffirmed ban on flogging in schools in the State. This is as it stated that it still does not tolerate corporal punishment in public schools. It rather upheld counselling as an effective correctional measure for students.
This was disclosed by the State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Alli-Balogun, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday.
Alli-Balogun stated that flogging students for indiscipline and other forms of misbehaviour remained prohibited.
According to him, the aim was to guard against inflicting injury on students, the fainting of students, or even the death of any student due to flogging by a class teacher
He added that minor punishments such as kneeling, picking up dirt, and cutting grass within the school premises could also be applied.
He said, “This is part of our positive reinforcement. It is a powerful tool for shaping behaviour and encouraging desired outcomes.
“The idea is to bring to the student’s knowledge, reasons he/she must not misbehave.
“The counselling is basically to correct.”
Alli-Balogun, however, blamed most misbehaviour by students on poor parental upbringing.
He said, “Parents must wake up to their responsibilities and have time for their children.
“As a government, we will continue to do our best to eradicate indiscipline. And make the learning environment friendly for all.”
The Commissioner noted that there had been an improvement in discipline among students.
He pointed out that Lagos State Government banned corporal punishment in 2022.
“And it implemented the Safeguarding and Child Protection Programme in school that year,” he said.