Lagos Government Reiterates Commitment To Teachers' Welfare, Capacity Building

The Lagos State Government has emphasized its commitment to prioritizing teachers' welfare and capacity building to enhance the effective moulding of the future of the students.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu made the remark on Wednesday at the inauguration of an 18-classroom block at Ijaiye-Ojokoro Senior High School, Ifako-Ijaiye, Lagos.

According to the /News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the project, executed by the Special Committee on Rehabilitation of Public Schools (SCRPS), also comprises a laboratory, staff room, Principal/Vice-Principals ‘offices and 36 toilets.

“It is a thing of great pride to note that our students and teachers have continued to win laurels and medals in recognition of their outstanding performances among their peers both at the state and national levels.

“I am pleased to note that our investment in education and future of our children have continued to yield the desired outcome through the improved performances of Lagos State public school students and pupils in national examinations and competitions.

“I assure our students, hardworking and committed teachers, of our commitment to do more in our second tenure to improve significantly on the already high standard that we have set in our public school's system,” he said.

According to the Governor, the project was created for the benefit of students and their teachers as a confirmation of the administration's commitment to providing conducive learning and teaching environment in public schools.

“These facilities will address the challenge of inadequacy of infrastructure and move our education sector towards attaining global standards for effective learning and teaching,” he added.

Represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Gboyega Sayannwo, Sanwo-Olu lauded SCRPS for its commitment to the timely completion of the project.

In order to preserve the facility's stunning appearance, he urged students and teachers to take good care of it.

He further noted that the building was constructed using taxpayers' money.

According to Hakeem Smith, the Chairman of SCRPS, the project aims to relieve classroom congestion and provide pupils with comfortable seating in a conducive learning environment, as promised by the Sanwo-Olu-led administration.

Smith stated that the building was well constructed by certified experts, therefore, there should be no reason to be concerned about a possible collapse.

The goal, according to him, was to achieve the UNESCO norm of "50 to one class."

He noted that the school has a sick bay, a Home Economics lab, and a library, adding that the principal's office is strategically placed so that the principal can always see the entire school grounds.

“There are enough windows in the classes to give space for ventilation, so even when there is power failure, the students will still enjoy air; also, the floor has terrazzo, the students have toilets to themselves.

“I am sure the students and teachers are happy to have this building with good chairs/tables in the classroom, enough toilets, laboratory, sickbay, staff room and offices of the principal and the vice.

“However, the school management must imbibe maintenance culture and should not misuse the opportunity provided by the state government, although the building is durable and can stand the test of time,” he said.

The school's principal, Deinde Momodu, praised the governor of Lagos State and SCRPS for the project and for taking the necessary steps to ensure the comfort of staff and students by, promising that the building will be maintained.

Earlier, Adeoye Adebowale, the Tutor General/Permanent Secretary of Education District 1, said the project was evidence of Gov. Sanwo-Olu's love, passion, and commitment to making sure Lagos State continues to create more outstanding leaders of tomorrow.

According to him, the best decision an individual, a parent, a state, and the country could make is to invest in the best education available.

’’This is more evidence of Mr Governor’s commitment and investment in education, being the third of the THEMES Agenda," he said.