The Lagos government has once again stated that the use of corporal punishment, including flogging students in public schools is prohibited.

The state Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Alli-Balogun, told NAN on Monday that the state approves counselling as an effective correctional measure.

According to Alli-Balogun, the prohibition, which took effect in 2022, is to prevent students from sustaining injuries, fainting or even death.

“There is a policy here in Lagos and other parts of the country prohibiting teachers from giving corporal punishment to students/pupils,” he said.

“Against flogging of students, we have adopted counselling as a measure of correction.”

The commissioner then listed kneeling, picking dirt, and cutting grass within the school premises as minor punishment allowed by the state.

“This is part of our positive reinforcement, it is a powerful tool for shaping behaviour and encouraging desired outcomes,” he added.

“The idea is to bring to the student’s knowledge, reasons he/she must not misbehave.

“The counselling is basically to correct.”

Further speaking, the commissioner blamed the bad behaviour exhibited by some students on poor parental upbringing.

“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,” he added.

“Students are now becoming conscious of their actions and the consequences.”

ASA