As a new academic term begins across Lagos and other states, thousands of pupils and students are returning to classrooms after the break. While the excitement of resumption is high, safety must remain a top priority. From busy roads to crowded school environments, parents, guardians, school administrators, and students all have a role to play in ensuring a secure and smooth return to school.
Here are 12 important safety tips to observe as schools resume
1. Leave home early to avoid rushing and exposure to road accidents.
2. Use safe and trusted transportation—school buses or known drivers only.
3. Teach children basic road safety rules, especially how to cross roads and obey traffic signs.
4. Avoid isolated routes and shortcuts, particularly early in the morning or after school.
5. Do not accept gifts, rides, or favors from strangers, no matter how friendly they appear.
6. Keep emergency contacts handy, written in school bags and memorised by students.
7. Parents should monitor drop-off and pick-up times to ensure children are properly accounted for.
8. Schools should strengthen security, including gate checks, visitor logs, and supervision.
9. Students should report suspicious persons or activities to teachers or school authorities immediately.
10. Limit the use of phones and gadgets on the road to avoid distraction and theft.
11. Observe personal hygiene and health safety, especially in crowded classrooms and buses.
12. Stay informed by following security advisories from schools and local authorities.
A safe resumption sets the tone for a successful and productive school term. Safety is everyone’s responsibility.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.