The Lagos State government has taken significant steps toward reducing the number of out-of-school children by upgrading infrastructure in inclusive schools across the state.
Through the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), the government on Monday handed over renovated facilities and educational support materials to Aganju Aka Inclusive Nursery and Primary School 2 in Okokomaiko, Lagos.
Government Commitment to Inclusive Education
Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, the General Manager of LASODA, emphasized during the presentation that the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu remains dedicated to inclusive education as a cornerstone of educational development.
Oyetunde-Lawal revealed that Lagos State currently operates approximately 50 inclusive schools spanning primary, junior secondary, and senior secondary levels. The agency has initiated an upgrade program focusing on infrastructure improvements in selected schools while also planning to enhance teacher capacity.
"We decided to start with this project to set the tone for the conversation about inclusive education," Oyetunde-Lawal stated. "Primary and secondary education are fundamental to ensuring we leave no one behind in our educational system."
Comprehensive Facility Upgrades
The renovation project at Aganju Aka school represents a comprehensive approach to improving learning conditions. According to LASODA's General Manager, the upgrades included replacing desks and tables with globally standard educational materials and work tools.
The project benefited from collaboration with two foundations and an individual who partnered with the agency to address the infrastructure challenges.
"We ensured sustainable electricity provision for functional fans, lighting bulbs, and electrical sockets to support laptops and computers," Oyetunde-Lawal explained. "We're optimistic about equipping teachers with more tools to enhance teaching quality in the near future."
She described education as a pivotal tool for bridging inclusion gaps and combating poverty, stressing the importance of adequate attention to educational infrastructure.
Stakeholder Appreciation and Future Plans
Mr. Abiola Kolawole, Education Secretary of Ojo Local Government Education Authority, expressed gratitude for the initiative, describing it as a wonderful upgrade that will significantly improve both learning systems and student outcomes.
He urged the state government to replicate similar projects in other inclusive schools across Lagos to ensure widespread impact.
Mr. Akeem Kelani, Director of Social Development and Integration at LASODA, emphasized that the upgrades are crucial for raising learning standards in various inclusive schools. He noted that the Sanwo-Olu administration has prioritized social development and proper integration of children living with disabilities.
"We have many inclusive schools in Lagos State, and we will take it one step at a time to reach others," Kelani assured.
School administrators, including Mrs. Popoola Taiwo, Head Teacher of Aganju Aka Inclusive and Nursery Primary School 2, and Mrs. Fatimah Alade, Head of the Inclusive Unit School, praised the government for initiating projects that enhance teaching and learning environments, particularly for children with special needs.
The handover ceremony marks the beginning of a broader initiative to transform inclusive education infrastructure throughout Lagos State, aligning with the government's commitment to reducing out-of-school children numbers and promoting equitable access to quality education.
