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

January 18, 2025

Lagos State Government has shut down Smiley Kids Montessori in Sangotedo, Lagos, following the tragic death of a two-year-old pupil, Rapheala Ogbodo, in the school’s swimming pool.

This was contained in a statement posted on its verified X handle on Saturday.

The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, has prompted an investigation by the Lagos State Safety Commission and the Office of Education Quality Assurance, Ministry of Education.

The school will remain closed until further notice.

The State Government has expressed its condolences to the family of the victim and reaffirmed its commitment to preventing similar incidents in the future.

The Director-General of the Safety Commission, Mr. Lanre Mojola, emphasised the importance of compliance with safety regulations among school owners and caregivers to prevent accidents in the state.

Full statement below;

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.

SWIMMING POOL ACCIDENT: LASG SHUTS SCHOOL, COMMENCES INVESTIGATION

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,… pic.twitter.com/MFItfZa8yd

— The Lagos State Govt (@followlasg) January 18, 2025