The Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS), Ogun State chapter, has raised serious concerns over recurring chemical outbreaks in Ijebu Ode and neighbouring communities, describing the incidents as a major threat to public health and safety.
In a statement issued by the State Chairman of ASUSS, Felix Oluwaseun Agbesanwa, the union expressed worry over the growing fear and uncertainty among students, teachers, and residents following repeated exposure to harmful chemical substances in the area.
Agbesanwa noted that the latest outbreak occurred barely one month after a similar incident reportedly led to casualties, hospital admissions, and severe health complications among residents.
According to him, the repeated occurrence of the outbreaks without clear explanations from relevant authorities has heightened concerns within the educational community and the general public.
He stressed that schools, which should provide safe environments for learning and development, are now being exposed to dangerous environmental conditions capable of affecting both teachers and students.
The ASUSS chairman warned that exposure to toxic substances could result in respiratory challenges, dizziness, irritation, unconsciousness, and other long-term health complications.
The union therefore called on the Ogun State Government and relevant agencies to immediately launch a transparent and comprehensive investigation into the root causes of the recurring outbreaks.
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 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 affected communities and deploy emergency health response teams where necessary.
The union further emphasized the need for stronger environmental monitoring and enforcement mechanisms across the state to prevent future occurrences. It added that industries and facilities operating within residential and school environments must be properly regulated to ensure compliance with environmental safety standards.
ASUSS maintained that any individual or organisation found responsible for the outbreaks should face appropriate legal sanctions.
Agbesanwa stated that the issue transcends 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 organisations, 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 said.