Alleged Expulsion of Lagos School Children Sparks Child Rights Concerns
A parent has raised alarms after two young children were reportedly expelled from a Lagos private school without notice, sparking concerns over child protection, safety, and the enforcement of children’s rights in educational settings.
Concerns over child protection have been raised after two young children, aged two and six, were allegedly expelled from Troika Multilingual School in Igbo Efon, Lekki, Lagos, on Monday, January 12, 2026. The parent, Muibat Owoeye, claims that the children had not committed any wrongdoing and that school fees had already been fully paid.
Owoeye explained that her children had already resumed classes that morning when she received a notification that they were being withdrawn immediately. She described the sudden expulsion as “shocking and distressing” and emphasized the emotional impact on her children, who were left without explanation.
“Children should never bear the consequences of adult disputes,” Owoeye said. “Education must be a safe space, where every child’s right to learning, dignity, and protection is respected. Licensed schools are obligated to follow due process and prioritize the welfare of their students.”
The parent alleged that the school’s decision was linked to a prior disagreement with the proprietor, which she said had already been resolved. She has since petitioned the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education and instructed lawyers to take steps to ensure her children’s rights are protected.
Efforts to contact the school for comment were unsuccessful, as calls and messages went unanswered.
A representative from the Ministry of Education confirmed that complaints involving private schools are investigated by the department responsible for school oversight. Deputy Director of Public Affairs, Kayode Sutton, said, “Where schools act against the established rules, the Lagos State Government can intervene to protect children and uphold regulations.”
This incident has drawn attention to the importance of safeguarding children in educational settings. Experts emphasize that all students, regardless of age, are entitled to protection, fairness, and transparency, and that schools have a responsibility to provide safe, supportive, and accountable learning environments.
Owoeye noted, “Children deserve care, fairness, and protection. Parents deserve transparency and respect, while schools deserve oversight and accountability. This is about ensuring no child suffers unnecessarily due to adult conflicts.”
