LAGOS STATE GOVT SENSITIZES STUDENTS, TEACHERS ON WASTE MANAGEMENT, FIRE PREVENTION IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS
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By: Muftau Fatimo
A sensitization programme on Waste Management Sustainability and Fire Prevention for students and teachers in Lagos State public secondary schools was held on Thursday, 29th January 2026, at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, The Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.
The programme commenced with the rendition of the National Anthem and the Education Anthem, setting the tone for the event.
The Honourable Secretary to the Governor, Mrs. Abisola Dokunmu Adegbite, delivered the welcome address and introduced the dignitaries in attendance. She warmly welcomed participants and described the programme as timely and critical, noting that it focuses on issues that directly affect schools and communities. According to her, a clean, safe, and well-managed school environment is essential for effective teaching and meaningful learning. She emphasized that poor waste management and negligence in fire safety could endanger the health, safety, and academic progress of both students and teachers.
She reminded students that the maintenance of classrooms, hostels, laboratories, libraries, playgrounds, and school surroundings is a shared responsibility. Improper waste disposal, she said, could lead to an unhealthy learning environment, the spread of diseases, and environmental degradation. She also warned that careless use of electrical appliances and fire could result in serious fire incidents.
Mrs. Adegbite explained that the sensitization programme was designed to equip students with practical knowledge on proper waste sorting and disposal, recycling practices, maintaining neat classrooms, and identifying preventive measures against fire hazards in laboratories, kitchens, and hostels. She added that participants would also learn basic fire prevention strategies and emergency response procedures. Addressing teachers, she stressed their role in guiding, supervising, and enforcing environmental and safety practices. She urged students to act as ambassadors of change, reflecting the knowledge gained by keeping school premises clean, obeying safety rules, promptly reporting hazards, and encouraging their peers to do same. She expressed appreciation to the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and the Lagos State Fire Service, and encouraged active participation throughout the programme.
The Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary, Education District III, Mr. Segun Osinaike, gave an overview of the sensitization programme. Thereafter, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Lagos State, Mr. Jamiu Tolani Ali-Balogun, formally declared the programme open. In his address, he emphasized that training on waste management sustainability and fire prevention in schools and homes is vital to achieving a safer and more sustainable future. He commended students for taking proactive steps toward proper waste management and fire prevention, noting that simple actions such as switching off electrical appliances at home and in schools can save lives and property. He concluded by stating that a safer environment begins with individuals and that the time to act is now.
The first presentation was delivered by the Director and Head of LAWMA Academy, Mrs. Bola Adewunmi, who spoke on Waste Management and Sustainability. She highlighted the importance of a clean environment, explained the concept of the circular economy, and discussed the significance of recycling. She outlined what students can do with their waste and stressed that proper waste management plays a crucial role in environmental sustainability and public health.
The second presentation was delivered by an Assistant Chief Fire Officer of the Lagos State Fire Service, Mr. Afoju Babatunde, who spoke on Fire Prevention and Response.
He explained that fire can be beneficial when properly controlled, such as when used for cooking, but becomes dangerous when handled carelessly. He emphasized that fire safety is a collective responsibility and explained the three elements required for fire to occur heat, fuel, and oxygen.
He noted that fuel includes any combustible material such as cartons, window blinds, and other flammable items, while oxygen refers to air. He also demonstrated the proper use of a fire extinguisher and advised participants not to use elevators during a fire outbreak but to use stairways instead. He further educated attendees on appropriate actions to take in the event of a fire emergency.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the Director of Basic Education, Mrs. Toyin Oyedele, who expressed appreciation to the organizers, facilitators, dignitaries, teachers, and students for their participation and commitment to promoting a safer and cleaner school environment.
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