Lagos developing competitive public education system – Sanwo-Olu

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has affirmed his administration’s commitment to developing a competitive public education system, ensuring that Lagos State schools rival the best globally.

He said the government was working towards achieving this goal through its continuous investment in upgrading and providing modern school infrastructure.

Sanwo-Olu gave this commitment during the commissioning of 12 blocks of classrooms at Ilupeju Community Grammar School, Lagos.

Speaking, Sanwo-Olu emphasised the importance of well-designed learning environments in shaping educational outcomes.

“Education remains a cornerstone of our development agenda. The substantial resources we have invested in upgrading schools reflect our inclusive policy and our belief that our children deserve the best. Our vision is to develop a public education system that can compete with the best in the world,” he said.

The governor was represented by the State Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai.

He cited research highlighting the correlation between educational facilities and student achievement.

“A study in the United Kingdom found that environmental and design elements of school infrastructure accounted for 16 per cent of the variation in students’ academic progress.

This underscores the critical role that school facilities play in shaping learning experiences,” he stated.

Sanwo-Olu emphasised the significance of secondary education in shaping students’ academic and professional futures, stressing the need to strengthen this level of learning.

“Secondary education is a pivotal stage that cultivates critical thinking skills essential for higher education and the workforce. Our goal is to enhance this stage to better equip our children for future challenges,” he said.

He said the ongoing rehabilitation and construction of classrooms across all divisions of Lagos would ensure equitable access to quality education infrastructure.

Addressing students, Sanwo-Olu urged them to make the most of the new facilities and remain dedicated to their studies.

“These classrooms are a testament to your families’ contributions through taxes. As the primary beneficiaries, it is essential that you utilise them effectively for your academic growth and development,” he said.

He also acknowledged teachers’ vital role in shaping future leaders, encouraging them to maintain the facilities.

“These upgraded facilities enhance your working environment. We urge you to continue delivering high-quality education and to ensure these resources are well maintained for future generations,” he said.

The governor called on community leaders, parents, and stakeholders to support the state’s education initiatives.

“These schools benefit not just the students but the entire community. Your continued advocacy and partnership will be instrumental in preserving these facilities for future generations,” he said.

At United Christian Secondary School, Apapa, Sanwo-Olu was represented by Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Bolaji Cecilia Dada, who reaffirmed the state government’s unwavering commitment to education as the foundation of Lagos State’s future.

“The newly furnished classrooms, modern science laboratories, staff offices, and administrative block at this school symbolise our vision of providing a conducive learning environment.”

He highlighted numerous projects undertaken by the Special Committee on Rehabilitation of Public Schools to renovate and construct classrooms across Lagos, ensuring that no community is left behind in the drive for educational excellence.

The governor further urged parents, teachers, and community leaders to take ownership of the facilities by ensuring proper maintenance and preventing vandalism.

Addressing students directly, he encouraged them to seize the opportunities available to them and strive for academic excellence.

He also commended the SCRPS team and contractors for their dedication to delivering high-quality school infrastructure.

At Ipaja Junior Grammar School, Ipaja, Governor Sanwo-Olu, represented by Commissioner for Establishment, Training and Pensions, Afolabi Ayantayo, stressed the importance of education in unlocking potential.

He urged parents to ensure their wards pursue tertiary education, noting that the government provides free junior and secondary school education.

“The facilities are there by the government. We have primary and secondary schools that are free. So, what else do parents need other than to ensure their children receive the education they deserve?”

Tutor-General of Education District 1, Bashir Adeoye, highlighted the government’s efforts to equip students with practical skills for self-employment and job opportunities upon graduation.

“We have aggressively incorporated vocational training into our curriculum, with 15 skills now available to students. Many of our schools are excelling in this area,” Adeoye said.

Mary Fagboye, Principal of Ipaja Junior Grammar School, echoed these sentiments, stating that education remains the key to tackling economic challenges.

Chairman of SCRPS, Mr Hakeem Smith, emphasised the importance of students understanding the efforts behind these projects, commending the SCRPS team’s dedication to research and quality construction.

Tutor-General and Permanent Secretary of Education District 4, Mr Olusegun Oshinaike, lauded the government’s investment in public schools, highlighting key initiatives such as Full payment of the 2025 WAEC examination fees for all final-year students, provision of modern libraries and laboratories to support learning.

He described these as proactive and pragmatic steps towards educational excellence.

At United Christian Secondary School, Principal Adeshi Taiwo expressed gratitude for the new infrastructure and requested an e-library to further enhance academic performance.

In response, Oshinaike referenced an ongoing construction project in Apapa, urging SCRPS to prioritise its completion, describing it as another milestone for the administration.

The event concluded with renewed commitments from government officials and stakeholders to sustain and improve educational development in Lagos State.

“By enhancing our educational infrastructure, we are empowering the next generation of leaders and innovators who will drive progress and prosperity in our state,” Sanwo-Olu said.

Tutor-General and Permanent Secretary of Education District 6, Mrs Mojisola Yusuf, alongside Mrs Abiola Onobamiro, Principal of Ilupeju Community Grammar School, thanked the governor for his commitment to education and urged students to maximise the use of the new facilities.