Lagos govt appeals for support to develop public schools

The Lagos state government has appealed to stakeholders, particularly alumni at both individual and association levels, as well as corporate entities, to join hands with the government in elevating all state-owned schools to meet global standards.

This appeal was made during the commemoration of the 70th Founder’s Day anniversary of Lagos City Senior College in Yaba.

Victoria Peregrino, chairperson of the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) in the state, emphasised the significance of partnerships between the private sector and the government in addressing the infrastructure gaps prevalent in public schools.

Peregrino affirmed that the government fully encourages former students, whether as individuals, groups, or corporate bodies, to willingly contribute or give back to their alma mater, emphasising that such contributions are always welcomed.

Expressing her delight at the valuable contribution made by Lagos City Senior College in producing outstanding learners and graduates in the state, Peregrino commended the management and staff for their consistent efforts in raising the educational standards each year.

She assured that “the state government would continue to support the school and prioritise the delivery of quality education at all levels.”

In his remarks, Hassan Abiodun, the principal of the college and public relations officer of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Lagos State chapter, confirmed that “the college has upheld a reputation for providing quality education since its establishment 70 years ago.”

He briefly recounted the college’s history, stating that “it was founded in 1953 by the late nationalist and premier of the defunct Eastern region, Nnamdi Azikiwe.

“Later in 1980, it was taken over by the administration of the late Lateef Jakande as a state government school.”

Hassan stated that “many notable alumni of the college have made significant impacts in various fields globally.”

According to him, they include General Ike Nwachukwu (retired), former Foreign Affairs Minister; Comfort Eyitayo, former President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria; Prof Kunle Lawal, former Education Commissioner in Lagos State; the late Olusegun Odubela, former Ogun State Commissioner for Education; and Emmanuel Okeke, a medical doctor based in North America, among others.

The principal also mentioned that the school now boasts improved facilities in subject departments, laboratories, library, water supply, sports arenas, and restrooms to enhance the learning and teaching experiences of students and teachers.

He attributed these developments to the generous support of the school’s benefactors, who primarily consist of alumni from different graduating classes.

One of such benefactors, Okeke, recently renovated and equipped blocks of classrooms in memory of his late economics teacher, Pa Johnson Babasola Arowosegbe, who taught his class in the 1970s.

Hassan expressed his gratitude to the benefactors for their contributions to their alma mater and pledged that the school would continue to nurture well-rounded and purpose-driven future leaders.