By Monsur Olowoopejo

IKEJA-As schools across the country resumed, Monday, for the new academic session, Lagos State Government has directed school administrators to comply with government’s prescribed safety standards and obtain the necessary certification or face sanction.

Similarly, the government, weekend, inaugurated the Central Working Committee for the 2011 Hajj with a charge on them to maintain the high standard achieved by the state in the past to ensure a successful pilgrimage.

On safety in schools, Mrs. Dominga Odebunmi, Director-General, Lagos State Safety Commission, who handed down the directive, said the step was part of measures to ensure the safety and well-being of pupils.

Governor Babatunde Fashola had last July 26, signed the Lagos Safety Bill into law which compels organisations to put in place safety measures in their operations.

Noting with dismay increasing cases of avoidable accidents in schools lately, especially accidents due to reckless school bus drivers, Odebunmi warned that any school that failed to meet prescribed safety standards would be closed down.

Odebunmi said: “The government will not fold its arms and watch children suffer needlessly from avoidable accidents. This directive is in line with government’s commitment towards ensuring safety standards in schools.”

She called on all private school owners to ensure that all their buses are in perfect condition, adding that they should ensure they are manned by careful and level-headed drivers.