As concerns over school safety grow, the Lagos State Government has rolled out a training programme to equip teachers with skills in emergency preparedness, child protection, and security protocols.
The two-day training organised by the Lagos State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), targets teachers on Grade Levels 15 to 17 across the state’s six education districts and is aimed at strengthening safety frameworks in public secondary schools.
Declaring the programme open at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Hall, Alausa, the Chairman of TESCOM, Mrs. Victoria Mopelola Peregrino, urged participants to collaborate with school administrators, parents, community leaders and security agencies to ensure sustainable safety measures.
“The safety of schools in Lagos State is not optional; it is a fundamental responsibility that underpins effective teaching and learning,” she said.
“Teachers and educators cannot effectively impart knowledge where fear, uncertainty or insecurity exists, and learners cannot reach their full potential in unsafe environments.”
Peregrino described the training as timely and strategic, noting that schools must respond to emerging security and safety challenges in a rapidly evolving world.
“A safe school is the foundation of quality education. Investing in the safety and security capacity of teachers is an investment in the future of our children and society,” she added.
“This specialised training will contribute meaningfully to safer schools and more empowered educators.”
She noted that school safety extends beyond infrastructure, covering emergency preparedness, child protection, personal safety, cyber security, health protocols and crisis response mechanisms.
“Today’s schools face a broad spectrum of security concerns ranging from fire hazards and medical emergencies to bullying, violence and digital threats,” she said.
“Teachers, as first responders in school environments, must be empowered not only as educators but also as guardians of safe learning spaces.”
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the commission, Mr. Olawale Ojikutu, urged participants to engage fully in the programme and apply the lessons in their respective schools.
“Approach this training with openness and commitment. Engage actively, ask questions and reflect on how the lessons learned can be implemented in your schools,” Ojikutu said.
He disclosed that the commission had designed a series of training programmes to ensure teachers align with modern teaching techniques and global best practices under the state’s T.H.E.M.E.S. PLUS Agenda on education and technology.
The programme, facilitated by NISREL Techniques, is expected to end on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, with the issuance of a communiqué outlining key outcomes and recommendations.
According to a statement issued by the Head of Public Affairs, Lagos State Teaching Service Commission, Segun Adeoye, the training would strengthen teachers’ capacity to manage risks and promote a culture of safety in schools.
“This programme is designed to equip teachers with the knowledge to understand established security protocols, adhere to best practices and apply preventive measures in daily school operations,” the statement said.
“It will also strengthen their awareness of risk factors, encourage vigilance and promote a culture of safety consciousness among staff and students alike.”
It added that the initiative forms part of the state government’s broader commitment to safeguarding schools and improving learning outcomes.
