Newly built ultra-modern Block of Classrooms with a mini-football pitch and multi-purpose sports court in Keme Balogun Junior/Senior College, Ibeshe, Ikorodu, commissioned by Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. Inset l-r: Chairman, Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LSUBEB), Dr. Hakeem Shittu; Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Tolani Alli-Balogun; Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; Governor Sanwo-Olu; Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary, Education District II, Mrs. Anike Adekanye and APC Lagos Chairman, Hon. Cornelius Ojelabi during the commissioning.

• Charges students on academic excellence

In line with his administration’s commitment to provide quality education for students in Lagos State, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday, inaugurated the ultra-modern block of classrooms with a mini football pitch and a multi-purpose sports court at Keme Balogun Junior/Senior College, Ibeshe, Ikorodu.

Governor Sanwo-Olu also commissioned a modern block of classrooms and other facilities at Ajegunle Junior High School, Owode-Onirin in Kosofe and Odogunyan Junior Grammar School in Ikorodu.

The inauguration heralded the commissioning of 16 ultra-modern blocks of classrooms of secondary schools facilitated by the Special Committee on Rehabilitation of Public Schools (SCRPS) across the six education districts in Lagos State.

Other school projects are located in Awori Junior College, Ojo; Euba Junior High School, Mushin; Ipara Junior College, Majiyagbe; Mainland Junior Secondary School, Fadeyi; St. Luke Junior Secondary School, Bariga; State Junior High School, Ibereko, Badagry; and Thogli Community Grammar School, also in Badagry.

Speaking during the inauguration, Governor Sanwo-Olu said his administration is committed to fulfilling its part of providing first-class infrastructure in schools, as well as providing teachers who are well-educated to teach the students.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, who was received by a large crowd of residents and students with his entourage, also charged parents to ensure that they engage their wards by talking to them to give them a well-rounded future.

He said: “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.

“These newly renovated and constructed facilities will serve as a catalyst for change, providing our children with the tools they need to compete in an increasingly globalised world. The construction of a block of 18 classrooms, the renovation of existing structures, and the addition of modern facilities like the food canteen, Intro-Tech block, and sports fields will create an environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and physically. But the benefits do not stop there.

“These projects already created jobs during their construction phase, providing livelihoods for local workers and stimulating the local economy. Moving forward, the improved infrastructure will enhance the quality of education and increase enrollment rates. This, in turn, will lead to a more educated and skilled workforce, capable of driving innovation and economic development in our state.

“This school reconstruction also sends a powerful message to the community: that education matters, that our children matter, and that their future is worth investing in. It is a message that will inspire parents to prioritise their children’s education, encourage students to dream bigger, and motivate the entire community to take pride in this institution.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu also charged secondary students on academic excellence in their West African School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

“To my students, I want to thank you, and I can’t wait for the next WAEC examinations at the senior level. I want you all to do very well so that I can come back and do a good job for those schools and other schools from here also,” he said.

Governor Sanwo-Olu also commended the leadership of SCRPS for ensuring that all schools in Lagos State are equipped to meet the goals of his administration.

He assured that his government will continue to ensure that it does not only complete school projects, but also equip them with all that is needed so as to meet the goals of his administration.

Governor Sanwo-Olu also promised to deliver some of the ongoing road projects in Ikorodu and build more primary and secondary schools for the benefit of the residents.

Speaking earlier, Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Tolani Alli-Balogun, said the commissioning of the school projects was part of the State Government plan to promote top-notch education to all students, noting that the projects highlighted the Sanwo-Olu administration’s commitment to the educational and holistic well-being of the students.

The Commissioner said that the structures would not only enhance academic excellence, but also provide a conducive environment for students’ learning.

He said the football court will provide students the opportunity to engage in physical activities and wellbeing, adding that it will also serve as a catalyst for academic excellence, physical development and personal growth.

Speaking earlier, the Chairman of SCRPS, Mr. Hakeem Smith, praised Governor Sanwo-Olu for the school rehabilitation initiative, support and follow-through to ensure the achievement of the task of rebuilding schools in Lagos State.