The Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS), Ogun State chapter, has expressed deep concern over the recurring cases of chemical outbreaks in Ijebu Ode and surrounding communities, describing the incidents as a serious public health threat to students, teachers, and residents.
In a statement issued by the State Chairman of ASUSS, Felix Oluwaseun Agbesanwa, the union said the repeated outbreaks have created fear and uncertainty within the educational community, warning that continued exposure to harmful chemical substances could have devastating health consequences.
Agbesanwa noted that the latest incident occurred barely a month after a similar outbreak reportedly caused casualties, hospital admissions, and severe health complications among residents of the area.
According to him, the recurrence of the incidents without clear explanations from the authorities raises serious concerns that can no longer be ignored.
He stated that schools, which are expected to provide safe environments for learning and development, are now exposed to dangerous environmental conditions capable of affecting both students and teachers.
The ASUSS chairman warned that exposure to toxic substances could result in respiratory problems, dizziness, irritation, unconsciousness, and other long-term medical complications.
The union called on the Ogun State Government and relevant agencies to immediately launch a transparent and comprehensive investigation into the root cause of the repeated outbreaks.
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ASUSS questioned whether the incidents were linked to industrial pollution, illegal chemical storage, toxic waste exposure, environmental negligence, or regulatory failures.
“The silence surrounding the actual source and cause of these repeated outbreaks is unacceptable. Ogun State citizens deserve transparency. Parents deserve assurance. Teachers deserve protection, while students deserve safety,” the statement read.
The union urged the Ogun State Ministries of Environment, Health, and Education, alongside relevant environmental and security agencies, to treat the matter as an emergency requiring urgent intervention.
ASUSS also called on the Ministry of Education to conduct immediate environmental safety assessments in schools located within the affected areas and deploy emergency health response teams where necessary.
The union further stressed the need for stronger environmental monitoring mechanisms across the state to prevent future occurrences, adding that industries and facilities operating within residential and school environments must be properly regulated to ensure compliance with environmental safety laws.
It maintained that any individual or organisation found responsible for the outbreaks should face appropriate legal sanctions.
Agbesanwa emphasized that the issue goes beyond politics, describing it as a matter involving human lives, public safety, and the future of education in Ogun State.
He also appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society groups, environmental experts, and health professionals to support efforts aimed at finding lasting solutions to the disturbing trend.
“The government must act now. Delay may prove costly. Preventable disasters should never be allowed to become recurring headlines in our communities,” he stated.
