Lagos Govt seeks alumni, stakeholders support for public schools’ development

The Lagos State government has called on stakeholders, particularly alumni at individual and association levels, as well as corporate bodies, to support the government in developing all state-owned schools to global standards.

This call was made at the 70th Founder’s Day anniversary of Lagos City Senior College in Yaba.

Mrs Victoria Peregrino, the Chairman of the state’s Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), emphasised that private-sector partnerships with the government are crucial for addressing the infrastructural gaps in public schools.

Mrs Peregrino stated that the government would not discourage former students, whether as individuals, groups, or corporate bodies, from voluntarily donating or giving back to their alma mater.

She stressed that the government would always welcome such contributions.

Expressing delight over the contribution of Lagos City Senior College to the production of quality learners and graduates in the state, Mrs Peregrino commended the management and staff for their efforts in raising the bar each year.

She assured that the state government would continue to support the school and give high priority to quality education at all levels.

In his remarks, Mr Hassan Abiodun, the Principal of the college and Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Lagos State Chapter, confirmed that the college has been known for quality education since its inception 70 years ago.

He provided a brief history of the college, stating that it was founded in 1953 by the late nationalist and premier of the defunct Eastern Region, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, and was later taken over by the administration of the late Lateef Jakande in 1980 as a state government school.

Mr Hassan highlighted that the college has produced many individuals who have made significant impacts in their respective fields globally.

Some notable alumni mentioned include General Ike Nwachukwu (retd), former Foreign Affairs Minister; Mrs Comfort Eyitayo, former President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria; Prof. Kunle Lawal, former Education Commissioner in Lagos State; the late Olusegun Odubela, former Ogun State Commissioner for Education; and Dr Emmanuel Okeke, a medical doctor based in North America, among others.

The principal further stated that the school now boasts better facilities in subject departments, laboratories, library, water supply, sports arenas, and toilets to enhance the learning and teaching experiences of students and teachers.

He credited some of these developments to the school’s benefactors, who are largely alumni of various sets. One such benefactor, Dr Okeke, recently refurbished and equipped blocks of classrooms in honour of his late Economics Teacher, Pa Johnson Babasola Arowosegbe, who taught his set in the 1970s.

Mr Hassan commended the benefactors for giving back to their alma mater and promised that the school would continue to produce well-rounded and purpose-driven future leaders.