Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have called on all public and private schools to establish functional counselling departments.
The lawmakers made the resolution after debating a motion moved by the Chairman, House Committee on Basic Education, Hon. Mosunmola Sangodara (Surulere 2), during plenary on Thursday.
They also resolved that private schools must comply with the directive.
In her motion, Sangodara argued that many Lagos students face psychological and behavioural challenges such as peer pressure, stress, truancy, and substance abuse, arguing further that proper counselling services will help shape character, guide career choices, and promote mental stability.
Supporting the motion, Hon. Lukman Olumoh (Ajeromi-Ifelodun 1) urged tertiary institutions and the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) to prioritise the training and recruitment of qualified counsellors.
In their contributions, Hon. Kehinde Joseph (Alimosho 1) and Hon. Abiodun Tobun (Epe 1) noted that the initiative would instil moral values and discipline, while Hon. Musbau Aina (Apapa 1) called for the revival of youth groups like the Boys’ Scouts and Girls’ Brigade to further strengthen leadership and moral development among students.
The lawmakers agreed that effective counselling services are key to improving the emotional, social, and academic well-being of students across Lagos.
