By Kudirat Adewale
Lagos State’s education sector has witnessed a historic transformation under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, with the construction and renovation of 4,000 classrooms across the state since 2019.
Revealing this on Tuesday, the Chairman of the Special Committee on Renovation of Public Schools (SCRPS), Hakeem Smith, declared that the administration’s massive infrastructural drive has reshaped both primary and secondary schools across the six education districts.
Speaking ahead of the unveiling of 16 new classrooms by the governor on Wednesday, Smith detailed the strides made in revamping Lagos’ public schools.
Since Governor Sanwo-Olu revived the committee in 2019, it has rehabilitated 386 blocks of classrooms, constructed 1,290 brand-new classroom blocks, and continues to expand learning spaces across Lagos.
Schools that have benefitted from this intervention include King Ado Junior and Senior High School, Isale Eko Junior Senior Grammar School, Cherubim and Seraphim Nursery and Primary School in Owutu, Ikorodu, Pastor Adegboyega Nursery and Primary School in Alapere Ketu, and Iganmu Junior High School, among others.
Smith highlighted the introduction of cutting-edge modular classrooms, such as the one at Vetland Junior Grammar School, Agege, which was commissioned three years ago. Similar projects are ongoing at Girls Junior Secondary School in Lalupon, Ikoyi, Lagos Baptist Secondary School in Obanikoro, and Ogba Junior Secondary School.
“These classrooms are not just structures; they are technology-driven learning hubs,” Smith revealed, adding that students now use iPads and mobile devices, while teachers leverage digital screens to enhance teaching.
Beyond classrooms, over 208,000 units of furniture have been supplied to public schools, including model colleges, ensuring that students learn in a conducive environment.
In a bold move to tackle the overcrowding crisis in Ajegunle, Smith disclosed that the Tolu School Complex, which houses 16 senior secondary schools, 15 junior secondary schools, and five primary schools with about 20,000 students, is undergoing massive reconstruction.
Once completed, he said the school complex will not only accommodate more students but also set a new standard for public education in Nigeria, making it a model institution and a tourist attraction.
Starting Wednesday, March 19, Governor Sanwo-Olu will commence the official commissioning of 16 new blocks of classrooms, beginning at Keme Balogun School in Ibeshe, Ikorodu, before proceeding to Ajegunle Junior Secondary School in Kosofe.
Commissioner for Basic Education, Tolani Alli-Balogun, described the upcoming commissioning as “another milestone demonstrating the governor’s commitment to education.”
He added, “He has a passion for education, which aligns with the THEMES agenda. Education is dear to the governor’s heart. TESCOM has hired 500 new teachers, and the governor has approved N2 billion for the payment of WAEC fees for SS3 students.”
