Sanwo-Olu set to commission largest schools’ complex in Africa

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has expressed readiness to inaugurate the newly reconstructed Tolu Schools Complex in Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state.

Tolu Complex, which is a cluster of schools on 11.73 hectares of land in the popular Ajegunle community, houses a total of 36 separate schools—comprising five primary, 16 junior, and 15 senior secondary schools—making it presumably the largest school community in Africa.

The school complex, established during the administration of Alhaji Lateef Jakande as governor of the state in the 80s, also witnessed some renovations during successive administrations and now has 21st-century classroom buildings, staff rooms, toilet facilities, football fields, basketball courts, and other facilities.

It is expected to serve no fewer than 20,000 students.

The state governor visited the school complex on Wednesday, April 1, to inspect the level of work done on the project.

After touring the facility alongside the Chairman of Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government, Olamilekan Akindipe, and others, Sanwo-Olu expressed satisfaction with the level of work done on the project, describing it as a good job.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to education.

According to him, education remains central to our vision for Lagos, and we will continue to ensure every child in our dear state has access to a quality learning environment.

Sanwo-Olu, however, appreciated what he described as the warm reception he received from the residents and students in the council area.

“Your strong support,” he stated, “encourages us to keep going.”

In his remarks earlier, the Chairman of Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government, Olamilekan Akindipe, commended the leadership style of Governor Sanwo-Olu, thanking him for his “unwavering support” to the local government.

Akindipe noted that his administration recently strengthened education by launching a free school shuttle bus scheme to convey students to and from schools across the local government area.

He said the initiative was to ease the transportation challenges faced by students and also relieve the associated financial pressure on their parents.

He added that the scheme, dubbed the “Renewed Hope School Shuttle Bus Scheme” (RHSSS), would also improve students’ learning outcomes.

Akindipe underscored the importance of Tolu School Complex wearing a new look, saying, “It is my firm belief that through this rebranding of the Tolu School Complex, Ajeromi-Ifelodun will produce intellectuals, innovators, and inventors who will shape the future of Lagos State and Nigeria at large.”

Tolu School Complex is billed for commissioning this month, marking a transformative milestone for public education in Lagos State.

Other dignitaries present during the governor’s visit include the immediate past chairman of Ajeromi-Ifelodun LGA, Fatai Ayoola; Sabur Akanbi Oluwa; and Sa’ad Lukman Olumoh, both members of the State House of Assembly, among others.