Kidnapping: Ambode orders security beef up in schools

Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday ordered security agencies to beef up security in Lagos schools to prevent school children from being kidnapped.

The Governor, who spoke at the foundation laying ceremony of the New Model School at Awori College, Ojo, Lagos, Southwest Nigeria said the government had also commenced the supply of over 40,000 students’ furniture on a quarterly basis to clear the identified shortfall of 160,000.

Ambode said that his administration had awarded contract for the construction of eight new blocks of classrooms as well as the renovation of 174 existing blocks of classrooms and the construction of perimeter fence in various schools to enhance security.

“Today, we are introducing a new model of block of classrooms in our public secondary schools. This edifice, apart from aiding teaching and learning, will compare favourably with high school structures in leading countries of the world.

“Apart from the aesthetics value, the new structure is capable of enhancing security of students, staff and schools materials in the face of the recent security breaches in our schools. It would comprise 36 classrooms, library, staff rooms, multipurpose hall, laboratories, Principal/Vice Principal’s offices and modern toilet facilities for both junior and senior schools,” he said.

Ambode assured students in the state that his administration was committed to building a future of great opportunities, possibilities and prosperity through the provision of qualitative education that is consistent with the demands of the 21st century.

The governor, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Oluranti Adebule enjoined the students to embrace the opportunities being provided by showing serious commitment to their studies and shun all negative values that could hinder their dreams.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Adesina Odeyemi said that the words and actions of Ambode about education had spoken loud and in unequivocal terms about his passion to ensure the provision of high quality education that is accessible to all learners through effective and efficient management of resources for the attainment of self reliance and socio-economic development.

Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Education, Lanre Ogunyemi, urged residents to appreciate government’s prompt response to anything that had to do with education and future development of youths in the State, adding that the priority being accorded education in the state, particularly by the Ambode-led administration should be applauded.

He said though other states of the federation found it difficult to pay teachers’ salary, the reverse was the case in Lagos as Ambode paid salaries of staff, teachers inclusive on the 22nd of every month.

“This present administration recently employed more that 1,300 teachers and is about employing another 1,000. All these and other achievements were made possible due to good managers and able lieutenants at the helm of affairs as far as education is concerned,” Ogunyemi said.

-Kazeem Ugbodaga