The Lagos State Government has shut down Smiley Kids Montessori, located in Heritage Place Estate, Sangotedo, following a tragic swimming pool incident that claimed the life of two-year-old Rapheala Ogbodo. This was confirmed in a statement posted on the state’s official X account on Saturday.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, January 15, when Rapheala’s mother, identified as Ella, reported that her daughter, who left for school that morning, did not return alive after the accident at the school.
In response, officials from the Lagos State Safety Commission and the Office of Education Quality Assurance, under the Ministry of Education, have visited the school to begin a preliminary investigation.
This has led to the school’s closure as authorities conduct a thorough probe to identify any safety lapses that may have contributed to the tragedy.
The statement read: “The attention of the Lagos State Safety Commission was drawn to the swimming pool accident at Smiley Kids Montessori, Heritage Place Estate, Sangotedo, Lagos, on Wednesday, 15th January 2025, resulting in the death of two-year-old Rapheala Ogbodo.
Officials from the Lagos State Safety Commission and the Office of Education Quality Assurance, Ministry of Education, have visited the site for a preliminary investigation to determine the cause of the incident.
“While the school remains closed pending further investigation, the state government expresses its deepest condolences to the family of the victim and remains committed to preventing future occurrences.
“The Director-General of the Safety Commission, Mr. Lanre Mojola, emphasized that all school owners and caregivers must adhere to safety regulations to avoid accidents. Further details will be provided once the investigation is concluded.”
