The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of students through its Quarterly School Health Programme, stressing that healthy learners are better positioned to excel academically and contribute meaningfully to society.
Eko Hot News reports that the Permanent Secretary, Health District III, Dr. Monsurat Adeleke, made the commitment during the Quarterly School Health Programme held at Falomo High School, Ikoyi, where students and teachers benefited from free health screening and medical consultations.
Addressing participants, Dr. Adeleke said the initiative reflects the state government’s determination to identify health challenges early and ensure students receive the care they need to thrive both academically and socially.
According to her, while education remains a top priority, the health of students is equally important because it directly influences their ability to learn and achieve their aspirations.
“This outreach is not just about checking students’ eyes, teeth or general health. It is about helping every child remain healthy so they can pursue their dreams and become responsible adults who will make Lagos and Nigeria proud,” she said.
She explained that the programme is a quarterly free healthcare initiative implemented across schools in Lagos State to promote healthy living among students and teachers, clarifying that the exercise is a health screening programme and not a vaccination campaign.
The Permanent Secretary noted that teachers also benefit from the outreach, emphasising that a healthy school community contributes to building a healthier society.
Dr. Adeleke urged students to always seek support from their parents, teachers, guidance counsellors or healthcare professionals whenever they experience emotional, physical or mental health challenges. She also advised them to stay away from drug abuse and other harmful behaviours that could jeopardise their future.
She encouraged students to embrace healthy lifestyle habits, including eating nutritious meals rich in fruits and vegetables, drinking adequate water, maintaining proper oral hygiene by brushing their teeth twice daily, engaging in regular physical activities and getting sufficient sleep.
The Permanent Secretary further urged the students to cooperate with healthcare workers during the screening exercise, ask relevant questions and follow professional medical advice, noting that maintaining good health begins with personal responsibility.
In his remarks, the Principal of Falomo Senior High School, Mr. Paul Omo-Aibangbee, commended the Lagos State Government for providing free healthcare services to students, noting that many learners face health challenges, particularly with their eyesight and dental health.
He also appealed to parents to encourage their children to take full advantage of such government-sponsored healthcare initiatives for their overall well-being.
Speaking on behalf of the students, Miss Asmawu Usman, an SSS2 student of Falomo Senior High School, expressed gratitude to the Lagos State Government for bringing free healthcare services to the school.
She described the programme as beneficial to students and appealed to the government to sustain and expand the initiative so that more schools across the state can continue to benefit from the free medical outreach.
The Quarterly School Health Programme forms part of the Lagos State Government’s broader commitment to promoting preventive healthcare, improving students’ well-being and creating a healthier learning environment across public schools.
