The Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board has commenced a statewide awareness campaign aimed at protecting pupils from sexual abuse while educating girls in public primary schools on personal safety, body protection and menstrual hygiene.
According to a statement issued by the board on Sunday, the initiative brought together education stakeholders, teachers and child protection advocates to empower pupils with the knowledge needed to identify abusive behaviour, protect themselves, report misconduct and adopt healthy hygiene practices.
Addressing participants, the Executive Chairman of LASUBEB, Hakeem Shittu, who was represented by board member Adewale Babatunde, reaffirmed the board’s commitment to ensuring that every child learns in a safe, inclusive and secure environment.
He emphasised that the Lagos State Government has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual abuse, exploitation and all forms of violence against children.
“Safeguarding our pupils is a shared responsibility. Parents, teachers, communities and government all have critical roles to play in protecting children from abuse,” he said.
Shittu also commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for placing priority on child-focused policies and sustained investment in the state’s basic education sector.
He noted that the administration’s commitment demonstrates its resolve to provide every child with a secure environment that supports academic, social and emotional development.
Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Basic Education, Yewande Jeje, said the programme represents the second phase of the state’s efforts to strengthen child protection measures and improve the welfare of pupils in public schools.
She urged the girls to understand their rights, remain confident and report any form of abuse to trusted adults and the appropriate authorities without hesitation.
“You must never keep quiet when anyone makes you uncomfortable. Speak up, protect yourselves and report every form of abuse to trusted adults and the appropriate authorities,” she said.
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Jeje assured participants that the state government would continue implementing initiatives designed to ensure children grow up in a safe and supportive environment.
As part of the programme, child development and health professionals conducted practical sessions to reinforce key safety and health messages.
Counsellor Dr Yemi Ayemoba educated the pupils on body autonomy, personal boundaries and measures to prevent sexual abuse, encouraging them to identify inappropriate behaviour, resist abuse and seek immediate assistance whenever they feel unsafe.
“No one has the right to touch your body inappropriately. Learn to say no, move away from unsafe situations and immediately inform someone you trust,” she said.
Health educator Ruth Oladoye also spoke on personal and menstrual hygiene, highlighting proper hygiene practices, menstrual care and healthy habits that contribute to the physical and emotional wellbeing of girls.
She stressed that maintaining good personal hygiene and managing menstruation properly are essential for helping girls stay healthy, confident and focused on their education.
To reinforce the lessons from the campaign, LASUBEB distributed hygiene packs containing essential personal care items to all participating pupils.
The board stated that the advocacy programme is part of its wider strategy to strengthen child safeguarding across public primary schools while promoting the health, safety and dignity of the girl child throughout Lagos State.