Morganable News / Communities
Forty-three teachers in Lagos State have received specialised training to help schools tackle bullying, drug abuse and other behavioural challenges among pupils.
LAgos —
Lagos State is strengthening efforts to create safer learning environments as 43 teachers receive specialised training on bullying, drug abuse and the social wellbeing of pupils.
The training, organised by Lions Clubs International, District 404B5 Nigeria, through its Lion Quest programme, focused on helping teachers identify behavioural challenges and support children who may be facing difficulties.
The programme also introduced educators to social and emotional learning. This approach helps children develop healthy relationships, make responsible decisions and manage difficult situations.
For schools, the goal goes beyond academic performance. It is also about ensuring that children feel safe, supported and able to learn.
Giving teachers the right tools
Teachers spend many hours with pupils every day. As a result, they are often among the first adults to notice changes in a child’s behaviour.
A pupil who suddenly becomes withdrawn, aggressive or fearful may be experiencing a problem.
That problem could involve bullying, peer pressure, family difficulties or exposure to harmful substances.
However, identifying these signs is not always easy.
The Lion Quest training is designed to help teachers recognise such changes and respond appropriately.
It also encourages educators to build stronger relationships with pupils so that children can feel comfortable speaking when something is wrong.
Bullying starts early
Bullying remains one of the concerns addressed by the programme.
It can involve physical intimidation, insults, threats or deliberate exclusion.
While some incidents may be dismissed as normal childhood behaviour, repeated bullying can affect a child’s confidence and sense of safety.
It can also make it difficult for pupils to concentrate or participate fully in school activities.
Phina Origho, District Governor of Lions Clubs International, District 404B5 Nigeria, said bullying was common even among primary school pupils.
She also said the organisation’s programme had contributed to reducing bullying in Lagos.
The focus on younger pupils is significant because early intervention can prevent harmful behaviour from becoming more difficult to address.
Schools also need clear ways for pupils to report bullying without fear.
Tackling drug abuse through early support
Drug abuse is another issue highlighted by the training.
Young people can face pressure from friends and their wider environment. Without proper guidance, some may make choices that could affect their health and future.
Teachers cannot address the problem alone.
However, they can notice warning signs and ensure that pupils who need help are connected to the appropriate support.
This makes early intervention important.
Rather than waiting until a serious incident occurs, schools can use education and open communication to help children understand the risks of harmful substances.
The training therefore encourages teachers to pay attention to pupils’ overall wellbeing, not only their academic results.
Teaching life skills
A major part of the Lion Quest programme is social and emotional learning.
The approach helps children understand their emotions, communicate with others and handle disagreements.
It also encourages responsible decision-making.
These skills can be useful both in school and outside the classroom.
For instance, pupils can learn healthier ways to respond when they are angry or under pressure.
They can also become more confident about making decisions when faced with negative peer influence.
Hassan Olapeju, committee chairperson for Lions Quest, District 404B Nigeria, said the programme focuses on helping pupils build healthier relationships and make responsible decisions.
He also stressed the importance of pupils’ mental wellbeing.
43 teachers to take lessons back to schools
The 43 teachers who participated in the training were drawn from different parts of Lagos.
According to the organisers, individual Lions clubs sponsored at least three teachers each for the programme.
The organisers hope the trained educators will share their knowledge with colleagues and apply the lessons in their classrooms.
This could allow the programme to reach more pupils beyond the teachers who attended the training.
Oladeji Tunde, head teacher of Westerville Nursery and Primary School and one of the participants, described the programme as impactful and an eye-opener.
His response reflects the wider aim of the initiative: giving educators practical knowledge they can use in their daily interactions with pupils.
Parents remain important
Teachers may spend much of the day with children, but parents and guardians also play a major role in protecting them.
Children move between their homes, schools and communities every day.
A problem that starts in one environment can affect the others.
Parents should therefore pay attention to noticeable changes in their children’s behaviour and maintain open communication with them.
Schools also need effective channels for communicating concerns to parents.
When teachers and families work together, children have more trusted adults they can approach when they experience problems.
A wider community responsibility
Bullying and drug abuse cannot be addressed by schools alone.
Parents, teachers, community leaders, youth organisations, healthcare professionals and government agencies all have roles to play.
Children are influenced by the people around them and the environments where they grow.
For that reason, protecting them requires cooperation beyond the classroom.
The Lion Quest training provides one part of that support by giving teachers additional skills to identify problems and guide pupils.
However, continued training and follow-up will be important.
Schools also need clear procedures for reporting bullying, handling drug-related concerns and supporting affected pupils.
Building safer schools
The training of 43 teachers is a starting point.
Its wider impact will depend on how the knowledge is used after the programme.
If participating teachers share their lessons with colleagues, more educators and pupils could benefit.
Schools can also strengthen communication with parents and create safer channels for children to report concerns.
For Lagos communities, the conversation is therefore bigger than school discipline.
Children need environments where they can learn without fear, build healthy relationships and receive help when they face challenges.
The Lion Quest initiative has placed teachers at the centre of that effort.
With continued cooperation among schools, families and community organisations, the lessons from the programme can become part of everyday school life.
Ultimately, keeping children safe is a shared responsibility.
When the adults around them work together, pupils are more likely to receive the guidance and support they need to make responsible choices and grow in a safe learning enviroment.
