Ayodele Olalere
There was excitement on Wednesday at the Ajegunle and Ibeshe communities in Ikorodu, Lagos State when the state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu opened two new schools in Ajegunle and Ibeshe.
At Ajegunle, the governor opened a new block of classrooms at Ajegunle Junior High School, Owode-Onirin which was destroyed by flooding some years back while at Ibeshe, the governor also commissioned another block of classrooms and a multi-sport complex at Keme Balogun Junior and Senior College.
The schools were part of the projects executed by the Special Committee on Repair of Public Schools, SCRPS, set up by the governor to carry our building and repair of schools across the state.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said education is part one of the pillars of his THEMES+ agenda and promised the commitment of his administration to providing quality education and facilities in public schools.
“These ambitious events consolidate our commitment to the development and pursuit of educational excellence and socio-economic development in Lagos. Education, a cornerstone of our THEMES+ development agenda, is the engine that drives economic growth, reduces inequality, and empowers individuals to break the cycle of poverty. By investing in these schools, we are investing in the socio-economic fabric of this community,” the governor said.
He said he was happy that he had kept to his electoral promises, one of which is addressing challenges in the education sector.
“We are happy we can keep all of our promises. We are assuring you to make Lagos bigger and better. Part of our 30 year development plan is to make education an important pillar that we will continue to deliver on. We will not shy away from responsibility and do more for our people.”
The Commissioner for Basic Education Jamie Tolani Alli-Balogun, said the simultaneous commissioning of new 16 blocks of classrooms across the state was a demonstration of the governor’s commitment to providing ‘ top notch education to Lagosians.’
“This is a shining testament to your dedication to the well being of the students, providing conducive learning environments and opportunities for students to develop their physical and emotional skills. We are investing in the future of the students, providing them with resources to excel in life.
The Chairman Special Committee on Repair of Public Schools, SCRPS, Hakeem Smith, while giving overview of the construction of the school said the deplorable condition of the school was brought to the attention of the governor who immediately ordered repair work to be carried out.
“The school got attention when the governor heard about its poor state. It has two bungalows that were in bad condition. When we started work, one of the bungalows was destroyed and a soil test was conducted to determine the type of foundation,” he said.
Smith said the new school is equipped with modern facilities such as 30 toilets, football pitch, race track, basketball and tennis courts.
He commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for ‘revamping ‘ schools across the state adding that the population of students in public schools have increased as parents are now withdrawing their children from private schools and enrolling them in public schools.
“You have shown immense support to revamping Lagos schools. The population in public schools has increased,” Smith said.
The Chairman, All Progressives Congress, APC, Cornelius Ojelabi, commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for fulfilling his election promises to the people. He assured the people of Ikorodu that the party will continue to provide more infrastructure. He thanked the governor for not ‘disappointing the party.’
The Principal, Keme Balogun, Junior /Senior College, Dauda Olagoke thanked the governor for the repair of the school.
“You are indeed a role model. You epitomize perfection, you love these students,” he said.