We have adopted modular construction, an innovative approach to building schools to ensure speed of construction, reduce the budget, better quality control and re-useability with the use of containers
By Uche Nnadozie
In a testament to the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration’s commitment to providing quality education and improving the learning environment for students, the Governor recently inaugurated 16 new classroom blocks across six education districts. It’s a significant milestone in his administration’s efforts to revolutionise education in the state.
The governor’s achievements in the education sector are impressive, and that is putting it mildly. In just five years, his administration has built five new schools, rehabilitated 386 school buildings, and constructed 1,290 classroom blocks. This is a remarkable feat, considering the challenges faced by the education sector in Nigeria.
The Sanwo-Olu administration has also demonstrated its commitment to innovative learning solutions. The introduction of modular classroom construction, which ensures speed, quality, and affordability, is a game-changer. This approach has enabled the creation of technology-driven teaching and learning environments, complete with interactive screens and digital tools.
Furthermore, the governor’s focus on education infrastructure is evident in the large-scale construction and rehabilitation project at the Tolu School Complex in Ajegunle. This project will accommodate over 20,000 students and feature modern facilities that will redefine public school infrastructure in Lagos State.
The state government’s dedication to education is further reinforced by the recruitment of 500 new teachers and the approval of a N2 billion allocation for the West African School Certificate examination fees for SS3 students. These initiatives demonstrate Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to providing access to quality education for all Lagosians.
Last Wednesday, commenced the official commissioning of new classroom blocks at Keme Balogun School in Ibeshe, Ikorodu with a drive-through and commissioning of Ajegunle Junior in Kosofe LGA same day. During a media event, the Chairman of the Special Committee on Rehabilitation of Public Schools (SCRPS), Mr Hakeem Smith said that the Sanwo-Olu administration has also supplied 208,000 composite furniture that address the problem of ergonomics to schools and also supplied about 1,592 beddings to eight model colleges in the State.
Smith noted that SCRPS was re-inaugurated on 4 November 2019 by Sanwo-Olu to address the decay in infrastructure in Lagos State public schools. ‘Our new construction projects are preceded with a good geo technical soil investigation to ensure they are founded on the right strata. The designs are functional, well orientated to ensure adequate natural light penetration and ventilation and well finished to ensure durability with the choice of materials’, he said.
The chairman disclosed that the Sanwo-Olu administration, in response to the yearning needs of some communities, built five new schools: Elemoro Community Junior School, Eti Osa; Musade Odugate Junior School in Oriokuta, Ikorodu; Oke Odo Junior High School, Ebute Metta; Ajegunle Junior High School, Kosofe; and Otumara Senior High School, Ebute-Metta.
On the modular classroom construction, Smith said: ‘The modular classroom construction, like the one at Vetland Junior Grammar School at Agege, that was commissioned by Mr Governor three years ago is being replicated at Girls Junior Secondary School, Lalupon in Ikoyi, Lagos Baptist Secondary School, Obanikoro and Ogba Junior Secondary School. They are at various stages of completion.
‘We have adopted modular construction, an innovative approach to building schools to ensure speed of construction, reduce the budget, better quality control and re-useability with the use of containers. However, the objective was to create a technology-driven teaching and learning environment.
‘In the past, traditional teaching tools like blackboards, whiteboards and markers were the norm. Now, we have introduced interactive screens, enabling teachers to use digital tools while students learn with their iPads or phones. This technology allows students to continue learning outside the classrooms, making education more accessible and convenient’.
Sanwo-Olu’s visionary leadership is transforming the education sector in Lagos State, and his efforts will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the lives of students and the future of the state.