Students in Lagos schools will no longer advance to the next grade unless they meet academic standards, Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamie Alli-Balogun, announced on Monday. During a school monitoring exercise, he warned teachers against grade extortion, stating that offenders would face dismissal.
Students must earn their grades, Alli-Balogun said. Any teacher found engaging in unethical practices will be removed from service.
The commissioner urged school principals, vice-principals, and teachers to enforce this directive while also collaborating with the government to improve learning outcomes. He recommended regular assessments, including weekly tests, to identify students who need additional academic support.
As part of efforts to strengthen education in the state, Alli-Balogun announced plans to expand the number of technical colleges, addressing the growing demand for vocational training. “The government is making significant investments in education, and we expect quality outcomes in return,” he said.
In addition, he encouraged teachers and other stakeholders to take advantage of the Lagos State Health Scheme for their well-being.
The monitoring tour covered Agidingbi Junior and Senior Grammar Schools and Government Technical College, Agidingbi, where compliance with the new policies was reviewed.
