The Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Aisha Garba, has praised the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) for its commendable efforts in ensuring the safety of students transported by boat in riverine communities.
Garba, who made this commendation on her X platform, stated that during a recent visit to the Smart School in Badagry, she was briefed on LASWA’s safety measures to protect the students.
According to her, the safety measures include providing life jackets for students, conducting regular maintenance of boats, and stationing security personnel along water routes to enhance safety.
She added that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed HOPE Agenda, which emphasises safe and inclusive learning for every Nigerian child.
She posted, “As part of my visit to the Smart School in Badagry, my team and I held a brief meeting with officials of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), led by Mr Ifamuyiwa Ibrahim, Head of Operations, before commencing our boat trip.
“We learnt that in several riverine communities across Lagos, children are regularly transported to school by boat. To safeguard them, LASWA ensures that life jackets are provided, boats are routinely maintained, and security personnel are stationed along water routes, while nighttime travel is strongly discouraged.
“In line with the Renewed HOPE Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, this collaboration between LASWA and the education sector is commendable, as it demonstrates a shared commitment to safe and inclusive learning for every Nigerian child.”
Recall that Garba had earlier conducted an inspection tour of riverine communities in Lagos State, covering Ibeshe, Moba, Ojo, Olorunda, and Badagry Local Government Areas (LGAs) to assess the state of education in these communities and promote inclusive and equitable education for every Nigerian child.
The Commission has also inspected the Smart School project at Epeme Village, Olorunda Local Council Development Area (LCDA).
She also made a stop at St Thomas Primary School, Badagry, which was established in 1843 and recognised as the first primary school in Nigeria.
