The Lagos State government has expressed the desire to improve students’ academic performance and reduce dropout rates by providing modern school infrastructure.
The State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, disclosed this at the commissioning of 12 blocks of classrooms at Ilupeju Community Grammar School, Ilupeju.
Sanwo-Olu also commissioned similar projects at United Christian Secondary School, Apapa, and Ipaja Junior Grammar School.
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Represented by the Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, he cited research highlighting the impact of well-designed educational spaces on student performance.
“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.
He reaffirmed his administration’s vision of developing a competitive public education system.
“Education remains a cornerstone of our development agenda. The substantial resources we have invested in upgrading schools reflect our inclusive policy and our conviction 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 added.
Highlighting the importance of secondary education in shaping students’ academic and professional futures, the governor stressed the need to strengthen this level of education.
He said, “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.”
The governor also noted that the state’s ongoing rehabilitation and construction of classrooms have reached all divisions of Lagos, ensuring equitable access to quality education infrastructure.
Addressing students, he urged them to make the most of the new facilities.
“These classrooms are a testament to your families’ contributions through taxes. As the primary beneficiaries, it is essential that you utilize them effectively for your academic growth and development,” he said.
To teachers, he acknowledged their vital role in shaping future leaders.
“These upgraded facilities enhance your working environment. We urge you to continue delivering high-quality education and to maintain these resources for future use,” he added.
The governor called on community leaders, parents, and stakeholders to support education efforts. “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.”
Also, at United Christian Secondary School, Apapa, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to education as the foundation of Lagos State’s future.
Represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Bolaji Cecilia Dada, the governor stated that the newly furnished classrooms, modern science laboratories, staff offices, and administrative block at the school symbolise the government’s vision of providing a conducive learning environment.
He highlighted the numerous projects undertaken by SCRPS to renovate and construct classrooms across Lagos, ensuring that no community is left behind in the drive for educational excellence.
Sanwo-Olu stressed that education is the foundation for unlocking youth potential and economic prosperity and called on teachers, parents, and community leaders to take ownership of these facilities by ensuring proper maintenance and preventing vandalism.
Addressing students directly, he encouraged them to maximise the opportunities available to them and strive for academic excellence.
Acknowledging the efforts of the SCRPS team and contractors involved in the projects, the governor commended their dedication to delivering high-quality school infrastructure.
At Ipaja Junior Grammar School, Ipaja, the governor, through the Commissioner for establishment, training and pension, Afolabi Ayantayo, emphasised the importance of education in shaping the future of young people and that it is the foundation on which potentials are unlocked.
He implored parents to make sure their wards get tertiary education, as the government has provided free junior and secondary school education.
“The facilities are there by the government. We have the Primary School, we have the secondary school that are free. So what else do you need other than for parents to ensure that their wards get the necessary education they are able to get,” he noted.
Also, Tutor General of Education District 1, Bashir Adeoye, stressed that the initiative is part of the government’s efforts to equip students with practical skills that can enable them to become self-employed or employable upon graduation.
Adeoye praised the government’s commitment to vocational training, citing the inclusion of 15 skills in the school curriculum. “We have aggressively inculcated this into our curriculum, and many of our schools are doing wonderfully well,” he said.
Principal of Ipaja Junior Grammar School, Mary Fagboye, also commended the government’s efforts, stating that education is the solution to combating economic challenges.
Speaking, Chairman of the Special Committee on Rehabilitation of Public Schools (SCRPS), Mr Hakeem Smith, emphasised the importance of students understanding the efforts behind the successful execution of such projects.
He commended the SCRPS team for their relentless work, moving from one location to another, conducting research, and ensuring the quality and durability of the buildings.
Tutor General and Permanent Secretary of Education District 4, Mr Olusegun Oshinaike, lauded the Lagos State government’s commitment to education.
He acknowledged the governor’s extensive investment in the construction and rehabilitation of public schools across the state.
Oshinaike also highlighted the government’s full payment of the 2025 WAEC examination fees for all final-year students, as well as the provision of modern libraries and laboratories to support learning.
He praised these initiatives as proactive and pragmatic, expressing gratitude for the governor’s unwavering support of education.
The principal of United Christian Secondary School, Mr Adeshi Taiwo, expressed gratitude for the new infrastructure and requested an e-library to further enhance academic excellence.
In response, Oshinaike brought attention to an ongoing construction project in Apapa, urging the Chairman of SCRPS to prioritise its completion.
He emphasised the significance of the project, describing it as another major milestone for the governor’s administration.
The event concluded with renewed commitments from government officials and stakeholders to sustain and improve educational development across 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 District Six, Mrs Mojisola Yusuf and the principal of Ilupeju Community Grammar School, Ilupeju, Mrs Abiola Onobamiro, thanked the governor for the infrastructure and implored the students to utilise it to good use.
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