The Lagos State House of Assembly has called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to instruct the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education to establish functional Guidance and Counselling Departments in all public primary and secondary schools across the state.

The lawmakers also resolved that private schools must comply with the directive once implemented.

The resolution followed a motion moved by the Chairman of the House Committee on Basic Education, Hon. Mosunmola Sangodara (Surulere II), during plenary on Thursday, presided over by Speaker Mudashiru Obasa.

Hon. Sangodara noted that many students in Lagos face psychological and behavioural challenges, including peer pressure, stress, truancy, and substance abuse.

She emphasized that functional counselling services would help shape students’ character, guide career choices, and promote mental and emotional stability.

Supporting the motion, Hon. Sa’ad Lukman Olumoh urged tertiary institutions and the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) to prioritise the training and recruitment of qualified counsellors to meet the growing demand.

In their contributions, Hon. Kehinde Joseph and Hon. Abiodun Tobun highlighted that the initiative would instil moral values and discipline in students, while Hon. Musbau Aina called for the revival of youth organisations such as the Boys’ Scouts and Girls’ Brigade to further strengthen leadership and moral development among young people.

The lawmakers unanimously agreed that effective guidance and counselling services are vital to enhancing the emotional, social, and academic well-being of students across Lagos State.