By Sodiq Adelakun
The Lagos State Government, through the Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), on Monday handed over newly renovated facilities and educational support materials to Aganju Aka Inclusive Nursery and Primary School 2 in Okokomaiko, in a bid to reduce out-of-school children and strengthen inclusive education in the state.
Speaking during the presentation, the General Manager of LASODA, Mrs Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, said the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu remains committed to providing quality and inclusive education for all learners.
Oyetunde-Lawal explained that Lagos currently has about 50 inclusive schools, adding that the agency is focusing on upgrading infrastructure in selected schools to set a clear direction for statewide improvements.
“With about 50 inclusive schools across the state—some of which are primary, junior secondary and senior secondary schools—we decided to start with this to set the tone for the conversation. Because without a doubt, we know that if we indeed are not leaving anyone behind, primary education, as well as secondary education, are very key,” she said.
“And we are optimistic that somewhere along the lines, the state government will continue to uphold her promise in ensuring that not only will the school become the hallmark, but this will become a trajectory where other inclusive units can see comprehensive improvement, upgrade and facelift,” she added.
The LASODA boss noted that education remains central to improving inclusion and reducing poverty, stressing the need for continuous attention and investment.
“We are officially handing over this number of classrooms to the inclusive units of Aganju Aka school, and I hope that it improves the morale of not just the teachers but also the students, and ensures that there is a lot. We see improvements across the board in education. And I am really optimistic about the future of inclusive education. And I know that there is a lot to be done, but let us start from here,” Oyetunde-Lawal said.
She added that the renovation included upgraded desks and tables, new learning materials, and global-standard work tools. LASODA, she said, partnered with foundations and individuals to deliver sustainable electricity for the school, ensuring the availability of fans, lighting and electrical points for laptops and other devices.
According to her, Governor Sanwo-Olu has assured that all agencies responsible for education development will continue to deliver quality infrastructure to support inclusive learning.
The Education Secretary of the Ojo Local Government Education Authority, Mr Abiola Kolawole, commended the initiative, describing it as a major upgrade that would improve both teaching and student performance. He urged the state government to replicate the intervention across other inclusive schools.
Also speaking, the Director of Social Development and Integration at LASODA, Mr Akeem Kelani, said the upgrades were crucial to raising learning standards across inclusive schools. He noted that the Sanwo-Olu administration has prioritised social development and the proper integration of children with disabilities.
“We have so many inclusive schools in Lagos State and we will take it one star at a time to reach out to others,” he said.
The Head Teacher of Aganju Aka Inclusive Nursery and Primary School 2, Mrs Popoola Taiwo, and the Head of the Inclusive Unit, Mrs Fatimah Alade, praised the government for the intervention, saying it would greatly enhance the learning environment, especially for pupils with special needs.