Lagos Shuts Down School Over Death Of Pupil
By Felix Kuyinu
The Lagos State Government has shut down activities in a school in Sangotedo over the death of a two-year old pupil.
The Lagos State Safety Commission alongside the Ministry of Education are investigating the incident which led to the demise of the pupil, Raphaela Ogbodo, who got drowned in the swimming pool of the school identified as Smiley Kids Montessori.
The Ministry’s Office of Education Quality Assurance disclosed that the incident which occurred on Wednesday, January 15, has caused unrest in the school, hence, leading to activities being shut down.
In a statement made on Thursday, the state government assured the public of proper scrutiny on the incident alongside it’s prevention in the future.
The statement reads: “The attention of the Lagos State Safety Commission has been drawn to the swimming pool accident that occurred at Smiley Kids Montessori, Heritage Place Estate, Sangotedo, Lagos, on Wednesday, 15th January 2025, which led to the death of a two-year-old female, Rapheala Ogbodo.
“The officials of the Lagos State Safety Commission and the Office of Education Quality Assurance, Ministry of Education have visited the scene of the accident to carry out a preliminary investigation and ascertain the root cause of the unfortunate incident.
“While the school is presently under lock pending further investigation, the State Government extends its deepest condolences to the family of the victim and expresses its commitment to preventing future occurrences.
“The Director-General of the Safety Commission, Mr. Lanre Mojola, stated that all school owners and caregivers must comply with safety regulations to prevent accidents in the State.
“Mojola further stated that further information would be made available upon completion of investigations into the accident.”