Lagos Deputy Governor Calls for Secondary Education Overhaul to Build Future Leaders

By: Manoah Kikekon 

Obafemi Hamzat, Photo credit [Lagos State government Facebook page]

Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, has emphasized the urgent need to revamp Nigeria’s secondary education system to produce visionary leaders capable of tackling future challenges.  

Speaking at the 80th anniversary of Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo, themed “Inspiring the Future,” Hamzat declared that Nigeria must rethink its curriculum, learning environments, and educational expectations to foster innovation and leadership.    

Hamzat stressed that secondary education is more than just a transitional phase it’s a crucial stage where future leaders are shaped. “This is where minds are moulded, characters are built, and visions take root,” he said.  

To keep pace with global advancements like AI, climate change, and socio-economic shifts, he urged collaboration between government, private sectors, alumni, and NGOs to create a future-focused education system. “Education must become Nigeria’s new national security priority,” he added.  

Highlighting Lagos State’s efforts under the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda, Hamzat noted investments in education as key to sustainable development. “We’re not just improving academics—we’re nurturing problem-solvers, ethical leaders, and tech-savvy innovators,” he stated.  

He called for integrating leadership training, ethics, and public speaking into school curricula, with support from universities and research institutions. 

Celebrating Olivet’s legacy, National President of the Old Students Association (NOSA), Dr. Wale Okediran, praised the school’s holistic approach, producing leaders in academia, sports, and public service. “Our alumni network has been instrumental in driving progress, ensuring Olivet remains a beacon of excellence,” he said.  

The event also featured awards for distinguished alumni, a keynote by the Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu Olawale Oyebola, who warned students against drug abuse, and calls for parental involvement in children’s development.   

Hamzat closed with a rallying cry: “Let’s make our secondary schools the launchpad for Nigeria’s renaissance.” The anniversary reinforced the need for collective investment in education to secure the nation’s future.