We found out that the new education secretary has immediately deployed his wealth of education administrative expertise to bear, commencing an appeal to the government for infrastructural intervention as well as taking inventory of challenges in the sector for immediate solutions, and has also sworn to redouble enrolment numbers in public schools and plans to end teachers’ incessant transfer out of the Ifelodun education district.
By Ndukwe Edward
The newly engaged Education Secretary of Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Education Authority (LGEA), Hon Tope Okeseni has outlined an ambitious reform agenda aimed at restoring public confidence in government-owned primary schools through improved infrastructure, enhanced learning, increased enrolment, and stronger community engagement.
Speaking during a courtesy visit and a series of engagements in barely three months in office, the Education Secretary disclosed that his new administration has embarked on a comprehensive assessment of schools under its authority to identify pressing needs and develop practical solutions rather than cosmetic interventions.
According to the Education Secretary, the first thing he did on resumption was to properly make the Local Government Education Authority visible for easy identification by putting up a signpost that will make people identify that the LGEA is situated there and documenting schools under the authority. However, this exercise is still ongoing; he wrote the government authority on some infrastructural decays. They responded with the renovation of some facilities where necessary, like the CKC and L. A Araromi, where some students were moved to Kajola Nursery and Primary School.
As part of efforts to improve the learning environment, instructional and writing materials have been distributed to schools, with no fewer than 71 schools benefiting from the intervention.
I also, on resumption, saw lots of educational materials stocked in the store and immediately asked for their disbursement to schools where they are needed because that is the place that the children will see them and make use of them, as the materials are not for stocking, he said
The Education Secretary also revealed that additional educational materials currently in storage would be distributed immediately to schools to ensure pupils resume academic activities with adequate learning resources.
“With schools preparing for the new academic session, emphasis is being placed on the provision of exercise books, pencils, and other essential classroom materials, especially for the less privileged children”.
The Education Secretary noted that some of his visits have already been conducted to several schools, while a more comprehensive inspection of all schools is scheduled to enable the authority to compile an inventory of existing facilities and determine areas requiring urgent intervention.
“We do not want to embark on projects merely for visibility. Our focus is on interventions that will have lasting impact on teaching and learning,” the Education Secretary said.
The experienced educational administrator stressed that teachers and headteachers remain central to improving educational standards, adding that every child deserves access to quality education in a safe and conducive learning environment.
He frowned at the shortage of teachers in the area and said it was caused by employing quota that was supposed to be for Ajeromi Ifelodun residents in other areas, and that those are the people who will come to seek transfer back to their areas, leaving Ajeromi Ifelodun with a shortage of teachers. He said any teacher thinking of coming to seek transfer should have a rethink because he will not grant it because of the huge shortfall of teachers, and such teachers that are coming from outside the local government should rather look for accommodation here in Ajeromi Ifelodun. He also emphasized that, in future engagements of teachers coming very soon, he would ensure that the teachers will be from Ajeromi Ifelodun
Security within schools was also identified as a major concern requiring urgent attention.
The Education Secretary explained that discussions are ongoing with relevant stakeholders on measures to strengthen security and create a more secure atmosphere for pupils and staff.
Addressing the issue of declining enrolment in public schools, the Education Secretary acknowledged the growing preference of many parents for private schools but insisted that public schools possess enormous strengths.
According to the experienced education administrator and teacher, government schools are staffed by professionally trained, qualified, and experienced teachers, a factor that gives them a competitive advantage despite the increasing number of private institutions.
The Education Secretary maintained that private schools operate as business ventures, while public schools remain committed to providing accessible and affordable quality education for every child, irrespective of background.
The authority is therefore working to change public perception by showcasing the quality of education available in public schools.
Efforts are also underway to improve pupils’ literacy and communication skills through renewed emphasis on reading, letter writing, essay writing, and other foundational learning activities.
The Education Secretary reiterated that education in Lagos State public primary schools remains tuition-free, urging parents to take advantage of the opportunity.
To encourage enrolment among children from disadvantaged backgrounds, the authority is also advocating increased support for the provision of free school uniforms, books, and other learning materials for less privileged pupils.
The Education Secretary appealed to parents, community leaders, corporate organisations, alumni associations, and development partners to collaborate with the Local Government Education Authority in rebuilding confidence in public education.
“Our vision is to transform our schools into institutions where every child can learn, grow and succeed. This can only be achieved through collective responsibility and sustained investment in our children’s future,” the Education Secretary stated.
The reform agenda, according to the Education Secretary, is expected to drive increased enrolment, improve learning outcomes, strengthen school infrastructure, and restore the pride once associated with public primary education across Ajeromi-Ifelodun.
