By Ayomide Otitoju
Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday inaugurated the fully regenerated Tolu Schools Complex in Ajegunle, Lagos, the largest integrated public school cluster in West Africa, alongside the Maracana Stadium featuring 19 mini-football pitches.
The comprehensive overhaul, overseen by the Special Committee on Rehabilitation of Public Schools under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, covers 36 schools across 11.73 hectares in the densely populated Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government Area. The project included new classroom blocks, refurbished buildings, central science and ICT laboratories, and a four-storey vocational and skills acquisition centre.
Speaking at the ceremony, Tinubu praised the scale of the intervention, calling it “exceptional and remarkable,” and commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for delivering a project that would serve tens of thousands of students.
“The successful upgrade of such a large educational facility reflects vision, planning and commitment to improving the lives of our young citizens,” Tinubu said. “Investing in education equips children with knowledge and skills, preparing them to contribute meaningfully to society and the economy.”
The President also virtually commissioned the Mid-Level Fresh Food Hub in Abijo, Eti Osa, designed to decentralize access to fresh produce, improve logistics, and enhance food security along the Lekki-Ajah corridor.
Governor Sanwo-Olu described the regeneration as a “full re-imagination” of public education in a modern African city. He highlighted the construction of 12 new classroom blocks with 18 classrooms each, refurbishment of 24 existing school buildings, and the addition of vocational workshops to bridge academic learning with practical skills.
The Tolu Schools Complex, initially established in 1981 during the Mass Education Policy of the late Alhaji Lateef Jakande administration, had expanded under successive governments but deteriorated due to overcrowding and aging infrastructure. The regeneration project aims to restore the complex as a modern, safe, and inspiring environment for students.
Sanwo-Olu also renamed the Maracana Stadium after President Tinubu to honor his support for youth and sports development.
Education Minister Tunji Alausa praised the project as a testament to purposeful leadership, noting that it aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda and demonstrates Nigeria’s investment in the future of its children.
The inauguration drew notable dignitaries, including Senate President [“people”,”Godswill Akpabio”,”Senate President of Nigeria”], Lagos Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, Plateau State Deputy Governor Josephine Piyo, and members of the National Assembly.
The Tolu Schools Complex now offers a comprehensive educational ladder from foundational to vocational training, positioning Lagos at the forefront of modern public education and youth empowerment in Africa.
