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Lagos State Governor’s Education Initiative Praised, but Residents Urge Action on Roads, Electricity, and School Facilities
By: Manaoh Kikekon
In a significant move to boost education infrastructure, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu commissioned 18 blocks of classrooms at Iragon-Thogli in Badagry, as part of a broader effort to improve learning environments across the state.
The project, one of four inaugurated in Badagry on March 21, 2025, was celebrated by the community, though residents seized the opportunity to highlight pressing challenges, including poor road networks, unreliable electricity, and the need for additional school facilities.
Represented by Dr. Oluwarotimi Fashola, Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture and Food Systems, Sanwo-Olu emphasized the state’s commitment to equitable development. “What you have in Ikeja or on the Island should be replicated here. You shouldn’t have to move elsewhere for quality education,” Dr. Fashola stated during the commissioning ceremony.
The newly constructed classrooms, built to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) standards, feature modern amenities, including a food canteen, clinic, sick bay, and secure fencing. The roofs are made of aluminum with concrete beams to withstand harsh weather conditions.
While expressing gratitude for the new classrooms, the Iragon-Thogli community appealed for additional support to address critical challenges. Chief Sedowhe Frances, the Baale of Iragon-Thogli, highlighted the need for a dedicated junior school building, laboratory equipment, and the restoration of electricity, which has been unavailable for nearly a year due to a faulty transformer.
“The lack of electricity has not only disrupted learning but also fostered insecurity in the community,” Chief Frances said in a speech read by Semako Samson. He also urged the state government to prioritize the construction of the Iragon-Ikoga road, a vital link connecting 15 communities, which becomes impassable during the rainy season, affecting students and daily activities.
Mr. Hakeem Smith, Chairman of the Special Committee on Rehabilitation of Public Schools in Lagos State (SCRPS), assured residents that the new facilities were designed for durability and ease of maintenance. “The Lagos State government has an agency responsible for maintenance, and principals are provided with ring-fenced costs to address basic upkeep,” he explained.
Mr. Adebiyi Benjamin, Principal of Thogli Community Senior Grammar School, praised Governor Sanwo-Olu for his transformative projects across the state. “The Governor has truly become ‘Mr. Project,’ ensuring no part of Lagos is left behind. However, like Oliver Twist, we are asking for more, particularly for our non-functional laboratory,” he said.
The commissioning of the classrooms marks a significant step in Lagos State’s efforts to improve education access and quality. However, the event also underscored the need for holistic development in underserved communities like Iragon-Thogli.
As the state government continues its infrastructure drive, residents hope that their appeals for better roads, reliable electricity, and enhanced school facilities will be addressed, paving the way for a brighter future for the next generation.
The 18-classroom block is part of a larger initiative by the Lagos State government to construct and rehabilitate schools across the state. With 16 projects commissioned statewide, including four in Badagry, the initiative aims to provide conducive learning environments and reduce the need for students to travel long distances for education.