Lagos shuts school over death of two-year-old pupil

Abdullateef Fowewe

Lagos State Government has closed down one Smiley Kids Montessori in the Sangotedo axis after a two-year-old student, Rapheala Ogbodo, drowned in the school’s swimming pool.

The Lagos State Safety Commission and the Ministry of Education’s Office of Education Quality Assurance are conducting an inquiry into the incident, which occurred on Wednesday, January 15, 2025.

The school closure was confirmed in a post via the X (formally Twitter) handle of the Lagos State Government, on Saturday.

The government also expressed deep condolences to the grieving family of the young victim and assured the public of its commitment to ensuring such incidents are prevented in the future.

The statement said, “The attention of the Lagos State Safety Commission has been drawn to the swimming pool accident that occurred at Smiley Kids Montessori, Heritage Place Estate, Sangotedo, Lagos, on Wednesday, 15th January 2025, which led to the death of a two-year-old female, Rapheala Ogbodo.

“The officials of the Lagos State Safety Commission and the Office of Education Quality Assurance, Ministry of Education have visited the scene of the accident to carry out a preliminary investigation and ascertain the root cause of the unfortunate incident.

“While the school is presently under lock pending further investigation, the State Government extends its deepest condolences to the family of the victim and expresses its commitment to preventing future occurrences.

“The Director-General of the Safety Commission, Mr. Lanre Mojola, stated that all school owners and caregivers must comply with safety regulations to prevent accidents in the State.

“Mojola further stated that further information would be made available upon completion of investigations into the accident.”