LASUBEB, LASPEMA partner to curb insecurity, misuse of setbacks in schools 

Worried about the increasing abuse of setbacks and incidental open spaces around public schools, the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB) has partnered with the Lagos State Planning and Environmental Monitoring Agency (LASPEMA) to check these infractions.

Speaking at a strategic session, the Executive Chairman of LASUBEB, Wahab Alawiye-King, commended LASPEMA efforts in maintaining compliance in accordance with the state’s environmental plan, and its seamless drive in the actualisation of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES agenda.

He noted that infractions on setbacks and incidental open spaces were becoming alarming, adding that the board frowns at such encroachment and would soon commence the enforcement exercise to dislodge illegal, informal operators occupying the setbacks.

Alawiye-King stressed that the misuse of setbacks in schools and indiscriminate construction of shanties on open spaces, would no longer be tolerated.

In his remarks, the General Manager of LASPEMA, Daisi Oso, noted that all forms of criminal activities take place on setbacks and incidental open spaces, which are threats to the wellbeing of the pupils and teachers.

Oso reiterated that LASPEMA is the agency saddled with the statutory responsibility to plan, supervise and designate setbacks for use in the state. 

He noted that LASPEMA was ready to collaborate with the board and come up with a model for landscaping around school walls, and create paintings to improve their aesthetics, as well as create a secured environment by ensuring closed circuit televisions were installed around the setbacks for surveillance purposes.

After the strategic meeting, a five-man committee was constituted comprising members from LASPEMA and LASUBEB. It is saddled with the responsibility of developing a model to facilitate synergised visions with other Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the state government that have similar mandates.