Mixed-bag for Lagos education in 2009

In what could be considered the most significant effort in the education sector in Lagos for 2009, the state government gave out contracts worth N1 billion for the provision of furniture in public primary and secondary schools. This came after consistent reports by NEXT, of the poor state of infrastructure in the state's schools.

One such story was written in October, titled "We write on the floor." It was the story of students at Aunty Ayo Junior Comprehensive School, Ikoyi, who were forced to sit on the floor of their classrooms because they had no furniture. Aminat Yunus, a student said: "It's not convenient to write on the floor at all, but that is where those of us without chairs and lockers write. I am still waiting for my own; my parents have not made them for me yet."

Sarah Sosan, the state's deputy governor, on December 25, presented cheques totalling N1 billion to 33 shortlisted contractors who would provide the furniture.

"By February 2010, we want to ensure that no pupil will be sitting on the ground to study," she said. "The furniture will also cover those used by teachers, head teachers and principals."

Big budget

However, more encouraging news has come for the education sector, such as the allocation of an unprecedented N60 billion to the sector in the state's 2010 budget, showing an increase of about six per cent when compared with the 2009 budget. Therefore, a lot will be expected of the state government next year in the sector, especially in the provision of new infrastructure and facilities, and the maintenance of existing ones.

The renovation of public primary and secondary school facilities by the state government is in its sixth phase; it had continued from "Phase 4", where the former administration had left off, and about 40 schools have benefitted from the "Phase 6" projects this year.

Teacher training

Also, this year, the state government held its second education summit, themed: "Funding qualitative education in Lagos State", with educators from around the world attending. Ten recommendations made at the end of the summit included continuing professional development for teachers, more parent involvement, more responsibility for school heads, and the re-evaluation of free education in primary and secondary schools in the state.

Spelling bees

Other notable events of the year include Spelling Bee and Debate competitions, which saw impressive performances from some of the participants. Oluwatomisin Atolagbe and Odunayo Adeeko of Model College, Igbokuta, Ikorodu jointly won N500,000 in the Lagos State Challenge Schools' Debate. Sixteen-year-old Olaide Adesopo won N250,000 and a laptop in the secondary school category of the Lagos State Spelling Bee competition, while nine-year-old Chidera Amakor won the primary school category of the competition, going home with N150,000. Fourteen-year-old McKenzie Okwah of Atlantic Hall School, Epe, won N100,000 at the first Magic Moments Spelling Bee competition, also held the same year. Ms. Adesopo later held the post of the state governor for a day, as is the tradition in Lagos State, where the winner of the senior category of the state-organised Spelling Bee competition gets an opportunity to act as governor for 24 hours.


Teachers get cars

During the year, some teachers also shone after the state government acknowledged their efforts at the Annual Education Merit Award. Prominent among the awardees was Olajumoke Odukoya of Baptist Senior High School, Obanikoro, who received a car for being the best teacher in the state for 2008. Also, the state government made positive strides towards engaging the youth with the introduction of voluntary organisations into the school curriculum, to inculcate leadership qualities in children from primary and secondary school age.

Child rights

There were also campaigns against child hawking and abuse, in accordance with the Child Rights Law. The state government made significant moves to get child hawkers off the streets and into schools.

New tricks

Perhaps, the most remarkable story of the year was the spirit and determination shown by 71-year-old Alimi Amodu who was in his final year, studying sociology at the Lagos State University, Ojo, with plans to start a master's programme after his graduation the same year.

"It (education) keeps the brain functioning," he said. "But if you say that you are too old, then that is the end of it. You become unproductive. If you want to be relevant, you have to go to school."

Relief for bombed schools

Seven years after a bomb explosion that destroyed five schools at the Army Cantonment, Ikeja, relief came from Daystar Christian Centre; a church with its headquarters in Oregun, Lagos. The church completed the reconstruction of five schools: Military Primary School, Army Barracks Primary School, Army Children Primary School, and Army Model school, and Command Children Primary School; with 65 classrooms and 68 toilets in all. Each classroom equipped with whiteboards, desks and chairs.

Editor's note: Part two, which examines the strikes, the massive examination failures, will run tomorrow, Friday, January 1, 2010.