Lagos reacts to viral video of pupils holding assembly in flooded school

The Lagos State Government has reacted to a video that went viral on social media showing pupils of a school in state observing the morning assembly on flooded premises of the institution.

The video showed the pupils, ages between five and nine, reciting the National Anthem and the Pledge standing in stagnated water in one of the riverine communities in Lagos State.

The school was later identified as a privately-run, located in the Makoko slum area of the state.

Reacting, the state Commissioner for Education, Mrs Folasade Adefisayo, said it was an old video and action had already been taken againts the school management.

She said in a statement, “This is a low-cost private school in Makoko. I have spoken with the owner and he said the video was taken some months ago by a church that wanted to use the video to raise funds for the school.

“He said the building has been demolished and is being rebuilt. I am sending people there on Monday. Thanks.”

The delegation is said to have been mandated to investigate and find out if the school is still in operation.

Meanwhile many Nigerians have expressed anger over the situation and demanded heavy sanctions against the school for exposing the pupils to such environmental hazards.

The leaked video on Saturday generated heated reactions from Nigerians.

Vanguard reported some Nigerians as questioning the rationale of the Lagos State Government of granting approval for the operation of such school.

One Fatai Olaniyi said, “(This is an) Act of wickedness which shall be visited with consequences. Politics in Nigeria is a criminal adventurism.

In his reaction, Yakubu Adisa said, “Sad and unfortunate. This is cruelty of the highest order.”

Kunle Olaiya said, “What is really wrong with Nigeria. See the way they are treating the future of tomorrow.”

Isaac Anthony stated, “If these innocent pupils had known what the leaders had done to mortgage their future, they would not pray for them.”