The Lagos State Government has issued a strong warning to food vendors operating in public schools across the state, directing them to comply strictly with approved health and safety regulations or face sanctions.
The government also declared that school principals would be held responsible for any violations involving food vendors within their school premises.
The warning was delivered by the newly appointed Supervising Tutor-General and Permanent Secretary (TG/PS) of Education District III, Dr. Idowu Olufunke Oyetola, during her first strategic meeting with principals in the district held at the district headquarters in Falomo, Ikoyi.
At the meeting, Dr. Oyetola formally resumed duty and used the opportunity to outline her administration’s goals for schools under the district while reaffirming the Lagos State Government’s commitment to quality education, discipline and student welfare.
Speaking on school health and safety, she stressed that food vendors operating in schools must follow all approved standards designed to protect students from unsafe food practices and health risks.
“All food vendors operating within school premises must strictly comply with laid-down regulations, while principals will be held accountable for any violations recorded in their schools,” she said.
The directive is coming at a time when concerns over hygiene, food poisoning and the quality of meals sold around schools continue to grow in many parts of Nigeria. Parents and education stakeholders have repeatedly raised concerns about unhealthy food handling, poor sanitation and the sale of unsafe snacks and drinks to students.
In Lagos, school food vendors are expected to comply with health regulations issued by relevant government agencies, including maintaining clean cooking environments, proper food storage and personal hygiene. Vendors are also expected to avoid selling expired or contaminated food products to students.
Some parents have welcomed the development, saying it would help protect students from health complications linked to unsafe food consumption.
A parent in Surulere, Mrs. Funke Adeyemi, said many schoolchildren buy meals and snacks from vendors without knowing whether the food is prepared under hygienic conditions.
“Children eat almost anything they see in school. Some vendors are neat while some are not. If principals are held responsible, they will monitor them properly,” she said.
Apart from food safety issues, Dr. Oyetola also charged principals in Education District III to maintain high standards of discipline, excellence and integrity in the administration of schools.
She particularly spoke on preparations for the forthcoming West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), urging school administrators to sustain and improve academic performance in the district.
According to her, Education District III currently ranks second in the Lagos State West African Examinations Council (WAEC) performance index, and efforts must be intensified to maintain or improve the position.
She urged principals to prepare students adequately for the examination while maintaining a zero-tolerance policy against examination malpractice.
The TG/PS warned that any school or official found involved in examination malpractice would face disciplinary action.
Examination malpractice has remained a major concern in Nigeria’s education sector for many years. Common offences include impersonation, leakage of question papers, use of unauthorized materials in examination halls and collusion between candidates and invigilators.
Education authorities across the country have repeatedly warned schools against engaging in such practices, stressing that malpractice damages the credibility of certificates and weakens the education system.
Dr. Oyetola also directed schools to ensure that all qualified students are properly registered for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
She said schools must ensure that students are well prepared for the examination in line with the education policy of the Lagos State Government.
Speaking further, the education administrator stressed the importance of accurate data management in schools.
She described reliable data as necessary for effective planning, policy implementation and smooth administration within the education sector.
Dr. Oyetola directed principals to ensure the prompt and accurate capturing of staff and students’ records into the state database.
According to education experts, proper data management helps the government plan effectively for teacher recruitment, student enrolment, classroom allocation and infrastructure development.
The TG/PS also addressed issues relating to retirement procedures for education workers.
She instructed officers approaching retirement age to notify the district at least six months before their retirement date to allow smooth processing of their documents and workforce planning.
According to her, failure to comply with the directive could affect the endorsement and processing of retirement benefits.
The meeting also focused on co-curricular activities, which the Lagos State Government considers important for the all-round development of students.
Dr. Oyetola directed all schools in the district to participate actively in the 15 approved state competitions and make proper arrangements for training, transportation and other logistics needed for successful participation.
Education stakeholders say activities such as debates, quizzes, sports, cultural competitions and science exhibitions help students develop leadership skills, teamwork and confidence beyond classroom learning.
On healthcare, the TG/PS encouraged teachers and other education workers to keep their Ilera Eko health plans active under the Lagos State Health Scheme.
The Ilera Eko scheme was introduced by the Lagos State Government to improve access to affordable healthcare services for residents, including civil servants and students.
Dr. Oyetola also directed schools to intensify efforts to enrol students into the health insurance programme in support of the state government’s Greater Lagos agenda.
According to her, improving access to healthcare for students and workers remains an important part of the government’s broader development plans.
As she concluded her address, Dr. Oyetola urged principals and school administrators to remain committed to their responsibilities and continue to uphold the values of the Lagos State education sector.
She stressed that schools must maintain high standards capable of shaping responsible future leaders.
“Every school in the district must operate at optimal standards in order to positively shape the future of learners and uphold the values of the Lagos State education sector,” she said.
Her meeting with principals is seen as part of ongoing efforts by the Lagos State Government to strengthen public education, improve student welfare and ensure accountability among school administrators.