SANITATION MUST BECOME AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE DAILY OPERATIONS, CULTURE OF EVERY SCHOOL -LASG

SANITATION MUST BECOME AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE DAILY OPERATIONS, CULTURE OF EVERY SCHOOL -LASG

     .....As State holds Grand Finale of Secondary Schools Sanitation Competition

Lagos State Government on Tuesday stated that going forward  Sanitation must become an integral part of the daily operations and culture of every school and not limited to special occasions, inspection periods, or competition days.

The charge was given by the Special Adviser to the Governor on the Environment,  Engr Kunle Rotimi-Akodu during the 2026 Lagos State Secondary Schools Sanitation Competition and Awards ceremony held at the LCCI Conference Centre, Alausa.

Akodu who spoke through the Director Climate Change and Environmental Planning, Mr Bankole Michael said School administrators should ensure that sanitation facilities are regularly inspected and maintained while teachers should continue to educate and guide students on environmental responsibility.

Parents and guardians, according to him, should also reinforce these values at home while students take ownership of their surroundings by keeping classrooms clean, avoiding littering, conserving water, and participating in appropriate environmental initiatives. 

He reiterated that achieving sustainable improvements in school sanitation requires more than government intervention, maintaining that School administrators, teachers, students, parents, guardians, corporate organizations, non-governmental organizations, and community groups all have important roles to play. 

"It is through collective responsibility, effective collaboration, and sustained commitment that we can establish and maintain acceptable sanitation standards in our schools", he maintained. 

Akodu commended the improvement observed during the sanitatiom assessment exercise across the schools, saying during the Year 2024 exercise, the ministry recorded 65%, while there has been a marked improvement by all the participating schools for the 2026 exercise.

He used the occasion to implore  all concerned authorities to ensure that the renewed passion is experienced in all public schools and not necessarily the schools nominated for the competition, saying: "It must become an integral part of the daily operations and culture of every school". 

The Special Adviser also called on every stakeholder to regard sanitation as a shared responsibility and a practical investment in the health, dignity, safety, and future of our children.

In his words: "Together, we must ensure that every child in Lagos State has the opportunity to learn in an environment that is clean, safe, healthy, and conducive to academic excellence".

"As we celebrate the participating schools and students, let the knowledge gained and lessons learnt through this competition translate into practical actions that will improve sanitation standards across our schools". 

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Dr Gaji Omobolaji Tajudeen said the event represents an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of schools with exceptional commitment to cleanliness, hygiene and environmental responsibility; both within their learning environments and more importantly in shaping the habits, values and attitudes of young people

 Gaji who was represented by the Director Sanitation Services,  Dr Hassan Sanuth stated that the initiative offers students an opportunity to showcase their ingenuity through environmental sustainability projects, upcycling, and environmental awareness campaigns. 

Gaji went on to say the activities such as the competitionencourage young people to think creatively, take initiative, and contribute meaningfully to solving environmental challenges in their schools and communities. 

The highlight of the event was the presentation  of award to the best school in the day school category and model school category for Sanitation and hygiene best practices as well as first and second runners up alongside individual awards.

Government Senior College, Ipaja came first in the Day School category while Government Junior Model College emerged winners in the Model College category attracting a plaque and prizes that include 1000L Geepee Tank, 1nos. Black Wheeler Bin and Waste bags.

The event was graced by the PS, Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Mrs Abisola Dokunmu - Adegbite, Tutor General/PS District 2, Dr Omotayo Sanni and Director General of Office of Education Quality Assurance, Dr Sulaimon Ogunmuyiwa, all of whom sent in representatives, directors from the Office of Environmental Services and students from the 6 educational districts.

Signed

Kunle Adeshina

Director, Public Affairs

MOE&WR