As pupils and students across Rivers State resume for the third term, renewed attention is being drawn to the need for safe, supportive, and well-structured learning environments.
This concern is heightened by a tragic incident at Wisdom Gate International School in Eligbolo, Rivers State, where a two-year-old pupil reportedly lost her life after a bookshelf collapsed on her during examinations at the end of last term. The incident has further underscored the urgency of prioritizing safety in schools.
The resumption period therefore not only marks the continuation of academic activities but also presents a critical opportunity for school administrators, teachers, and parents to reassess existing conditions and ensure that schools remain secure and conducive for learning. Education stakeholders have stressed that beyond academic performance, the safety and wellbeing of learners must remain a top priority.
Speaking with our reporters, a university professor, Emmanuel Oka, highlighted key safety measures schools must adopt to guarantee the protection of pupils and students. He emphasized the importance of spacious classroom arrangements to avoid overcrowding, noting that well-organized learning spaces contribute significantly to both safety and effective teaching.
He further outlined additional considerations, including school location, stating that schools should be situated in secure and accessible environments with proper fencing and the presence of trained security personnel.
“If these basic conditions are not in place, teaching and learning should not take place in such an environment,” he said.
He also stressed that classroom furniture must be properly arranged to allow free movement and prevent accidents, while sharp or dangerous objects should be kept away from children. He further noted that teachers bear a significant responsibility in ensuring the safety of pupils at all times.
The professor expressed concern over what he described as declining adherence to safety and teaching standards in many schools. “Safety measures are not adequately observed in most of our schools, both public and private,” he said, warning that such lapses expose students to unnecessary risks and undermine effective learning.
In a related development, a classroom teacher who preferred anonymity shared practical challenges from the field. She noted that overcrowded classrooms and limited resources often make it difficult to maintain proper safety standards.
“In some schools, you find too many pupils in a small classroom, which makes supervision difficult. Teachers are doing their best, but there is a need for more classrooms, better facilities, and improved support,” she explained.
She also called for regular safety training for teachers to enable them to respond effectively in emergencies.
Meanwhile, a parent, Mrs. Chioma Eze, expressed her expectations for the new term, emphasizing both academic progress and student welfare.
“As a parent, I want my child to learn in a safe environment where teachers are attentive and school authorities take security seriously. I also expect improvements in discipline, teaching quality, and communication between schools and parents this term,” she said.
She urged school managements to prioritize the wellbeing of children and maintain consistent standards throughout the term.
As the third term progresses, stakeholders continue to call for stronger collaboration between government authorities, school owners, teachers, and parents to ensure that safety standards are not only established but also strictly enforced across all schools in the state.
