By Olasunkanmi Akoni

Lagos State Government has expressed assurance to upscale school feeding programmes in public schools in order to boost pupil welfare, improve attendance and reduce the menace of out-of-school children in the state.

The state government, also urged teachers, non-teaching staff, students and pupils in the state to make the year 2024 count for excellent performance in their various teaching and learning deliveries as schools resume for the second term of the year 2023/2024 session.

Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Jamiu Alli-Balogun, made the remarks when he visited some schools in Lagos on Tuesday, to monitor students’ and pupils’ resumption for the second term of Y2023/2024 school session.

Giving a New Year message to education stakeholders in primary and secondary schools across the state, he articulated the wish of the state government to ensure that the limited resources of the state are deployed to ensure the safety of students, pupils and school personnel in the new year.

According to Alli-Balogun, “The Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration has resolved to upscale school feeding programme in public schools to boost pupil’s welfare, improve attendance and reduce the menace of out-of-school children in Lagos State.”

He also announced the recruitment of new teachers across various subject and classes which he said was expected to further improve the capacity of students to learn more under qualified teachers.

’Many of our students, pupils and teachers made us proud in 2023 individually or as representatives of various schools, this naturally encourages the State government to do more.

“The state government is also pleased with the level of support for interventions, collaboration, and initiatives in the education sector.

’It is expected that all stakeholders will aim higher for a better performance in the second term of the 2023/24 school session,’’ Alli-Balogun stated.

During the visit, the commissioner also admonished students to stay off drugs, shun cultism, avoid gang wars and examination malpractices.