…as Sanwo-Olu hails project as bold redefinition of a 21st century school
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday commissioned the fully regenerated Tolu Schools Complex in Olodi-Apapa, Ajegunle, marking a significant milestone in the drive to modernize public education infrastructure in Lagos State.
The President who was again represented by the Senate President and Chairman of the National Assembly, Senator Godswill Akpabio unveiled the upgraded facility in the Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area.
Spanning approximately 11.7 hectares, the Tolu Schools Complex houses 36 public schools, including 31 secondary and five primary institutions.
Originally established in 1981 during the administration of the late Governor Lateef Jakande, the complex has undergone a comprehensive transformation to restore its standing as a premier center for quality learning.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the project as a complete reimagining of public education within a modern African city.
He emphasized that the initiative was far more than a routine upgrade, stating that the project is a bold redefinition of what a 21st-century school should be.
The Governor added that the regeneration reflects a sacred promise to provide every child with access to world-class education, regardless of their socio-economic background.
The upgraded complex features 12 new classroom blocks, each containing 18 classrooms, alongside the extensive renovation of 24 existing structures to reduce overcrowding.
To prepare students for the modern economy, the facility includes a four-storey vocational and skills acquisition center, an ICT and robotics hub, and advanced science laboratories for physics, chemistry, and biology.
Beyond academic facilities, the complex has been equipped with robust social and safety infrastructure, including a primary healthcare center, a fire service station, and extensive sports facilities.
These include a standard AstroTurf football pitch, 19 mini pitches, an athletics track, multipurpose courts, and dedicated areas for field events such as javelin and long jump.
In his remarks, Senator Akpabio commended the Lagos State Government for its commitment to youth development, noting that education remains a critical driver of the federal government’s Renewed Hope agenda.
Similarly, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, praised the project as a successful model of collaboration between national and subnational governments, particularly in strengthening technical and vocational training.
This latest regeneration, which commenced in early 2024, continues a legacy of investment at the site that includes the construction of the Bola Ige Millennium Secondary School during President Tinubu’s tenure as Governor of Lagos State. The Tolu Schools Complex is now expected to serve as a national benchmark for urban public school development.