The Lagos State Government has called for stronger collaboration with approved voluntary uniform organisations to promote discipline, good morals, leadership and responsible citizenship among students in public schools.
The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite, made the call on Thursday, September 10, 2026, during an interactive session with representatives of the five approved voluntary uniform organisations operating in the State.
The meeting, attended by the Director of Co-Curricular, Mrs. Oluyemisi Adebesin, and other officials, focused on improving coordination and ensuring that the activities of the organisations align with the State’s educational objectives.
Dokunmu-Adegbite proposed that each organisation should prepare a harmonised annual calendar of activities for its Lagos branch and submit it to the Ministry for approval. This, she said, would ensure better coordination and eliminate multiple requests for individual activities throughout the academic year.
She also clarified that school premises should not be used for activities outside the approved Wednesday Co-Curricular programme, encouraging the organisations to explore alternative venues such as parks and gardens for appropriate outdoor programmes.
The Permanent Secretary stressed the need to restore discipline, integrity, academic excellence and positive values among students, noting that the organisations have an important role to play in developing responsible, patriotic and well-rounded young people.
“We want all-round students,” she said.
The meeting also explored ways to deepen the organisations’ partnership with the Lagos State Government, particularly in promoting teamwork, leadership, responsibility, peace, respect for constituted authority and other positive values.
A proposal on sustaining voluntary uniform organisations in Lagos was presented by the Team Lead of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Mr. Lasisi Olakunle. The proposal focused on strengthening the sustainability, effectiveness and relevance of the organisations within public schools.
Dokunmu-Adegbite commended the organisations for their contributions to student development and expressed the Ministry’s readiness to deepen collaboration with them.
The five approved organisations are the Boys Scouts, led by Rev. Dr. Olurotimi Taiwo; Girls Guides, led by Mrs. Efunuga Titilayo; Nigerian Red Cross Society, led by Mr. Lasisi Olakunle; Brigade, led by Mrs. Okanlawon Omobolanle; and Sheriff Guards, led by Mrs. Adeleke Ibidunni.
