The state administration of Lagos is thinking about outlawing the operation of beer parlours and other drinking businesses next to or in the vicinity of schools.
In addition, the state is still debating the 65-year retirement age policy—as opposed to the existing 60-year retirement age for state-employed teachers—with pertinent parties prior to adoption.
This information was provided during a question-and-answer period during a media briefing for the current state-wide National Council on Education meeting by Mr. Jamiu Alli-Balogun, the state’s Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education.
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He clarified that the state government is trying to eliminate drug misuse and other vices, especially among children and teenagers, and that the plan to outlaw beer parlours operating close to schools is a part of that effort.
He claims that it has been noticed that the sale of hard drugs and other substances is primarily concentrated around ghettos and enterprises, which is not good for society.
Additionally, we have established safety clubs in schools, where we collaborate with law enforcement, the Nigerian Immigration Service, customs officials, traditional leaders, CDAs, CDCs, and other security authorities.
“We are serving as an intermediary after conveying the message. We even had a meeting with all the relevant parties last month, and we hope to have more.
He said that Epe schools had started a “War Against Drug Abuse” programme as an example of the community working with the police and other security services to combat drug misuse and other social vices.
We’re working together, therefore we won’t stop there. We are speaking out against the detrimental effects that drug usage has on our society.
We are thus exploring all possible ways to alter the story, and one of the recommendations is to stop having beer parlours near schools.
“We think that kids can be enticed or influenced to want to do the same if they observe, watch, and interact with people who smoke, consume alcohol, and engage in other risky behaviours. We can stop the situation right away without waiting for such to occur.
The commissioner did, however, note that the issue is still merely a suggestion that needs to pass legislation before it can be implemented as state policy; the exact date of that is still to be determined.
