By Ayomide Oitoju
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has overseen the construction and renovation of 4,000 classrooms across the state since assuming office in 2019, according to Hakeem Smith, Chairman of the Special Committee on Renovation of Public Schools (SCRPS).
Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos on Tuesday, Smith announced that the governor will inaugurate another 16 newly constructed classrooms on Wednesday as part of the administration’s ongoing commitment to improving educational infrastructure.
Since the reactivation of the SCRPS by Governor Sanwo-Olu in 2019, the committee has successfully rehabilitated 386 blocks of classrooms in both primary and secondary schools across Lagos’ six education districts. Additionally, 1,290 new classroom blocks have been constructed, with several other projects currently underway.
Smith listed several schools that have benefited from the intervention, including King Ado Junior and Senior High School, Isale Eko Junior Senior Grammar School, Cherubim and Seraphim Nursery and Primary School 1 in Owutu, Pastor Adegboyega Nursery and Primary School in Alapere Ketu, and Iganmu Junior High School.
He also highlighted the introduction of modular classrooms, citing the Vetland Junior Grammar School in Agege as an example. Similar projects are being replicated at Girls Junior Secondary School, Lalupon in Ikoyi, Lagos Baptist Secondary School in Obanikoro, and Ogba Junior Secondary School.
The classrooms are equipped with digital teaching tools, allowing teachers to use interactive screens while students engage with learning materials via iPads and smartphones.
In addition to classroom renovations, the administration has provided approximately 208,000 units of furniture for public schools, including model colleges, and constructed new schools to address educational gaps.
To tackle infrastructure challenges in Ajegunle, Smith revealed that major construction and rehabilitation work is ongoing at the Tolu School Complex, which accommodates 16 senior secondary schools, 15 junior secondary schools, and five primary schools, serving a student population of approximately 20,000.
Upon completion, the complex is expected to serve as a model public school facility with modern amenities.
The official commissioning of the 16 newly completed classroom blocks will commence on Wednesday, March 19, with the inauguration of Keme Balogun School in Ibeshe, Ikorodu, followed by Ajegunle Junior Secondary School in Kosofe.
Commissioner for Basic Education, Tolani Alli-Balogun, described the development as another milestone in the governor’s THEMES agenda, emphasizing Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to education.
“Education remains a priority for the governor. Under his leadership, TESCOM has employed 500 new teachers, and N2 billion has been approved for the payment of WAEC fees for SS3 students,” Alli-Balogun said.
