The Nigerian Army has officially commenced the renovation of St. Stephen’s A Primary School, Itaasin, Modakeke, in what community members have described as a landmark step toward improving educational infrastructure in the town. The project was flagged off on Tuesday, September 16, following a directive by a military team led by Navy Capt. Saliu Aliero.
Built in 1929, St. Stephen’s A Primary School is one of the oldest schools in Modakeke and has educated generations of children over its near-century of existence. The iconic storey building, however, has long shown signs of age, with cracked walls, leaking roofs, and worn-out classrooms that make learning increasingly difficult. The intervention by the Nigerian Army marks a turning point in efforts to preserve this historical institution.
According to project details made available to The Nigeria Education News, the renovation will focus on structural reinforcement of the classrooms, refurbishment of learning facilities, provision of modern furniture, and general environmental upgrades. These improvements are expected to transform the school into a more conducive learning space for pupils and a better working environment for teachers.
Speaking at the flag-off, the Ogunsua of Modakeke, HRM Oba Dr. Joseph Olubiyi Toriola, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Nigerian Army. He described the project as both timely and historic, emphasizing its importance in reviving the dignity of education in the community. “This gesture will not only restore the pride of this school but also inspire hope for our children who deserve the best foundation for their future,” he remarked.
The monarch also urged the people of Modakeke to support the Army and cooperate with the contractors to ensure the project’s timely completion. He highlighted that education remains one of the strongest tools for community development and empowerment, and therefore, efforts like this must be cherished and protected.
In her remarks, the Headteacher of the school, who is due for retirement later this year, could not hide her emotions as she thanked the Army and Kabiyesi for their intervention. “This school has produced countless successful sons and daughters of Modakeke. To witness this building given a new lease of life before my exit is a blessing I will cherish forever,” she said, adding that both teachers and pupils would provide full cooperation during the renovation exercise.
Parents and residents present at the event echoed similar sentiments. Some recalled how the dilapidated state of the classrooms had discouraged effective teaching and learning, while others described the Army’s involvement as an assurance that the community was not forgotten in the larger national development agenda.
For the Nigerian Army, the renovation is part of its broader community development and social responsibility initiatives. Navy Capt. Saliu Aliero emphasized that the project goes beyond restoring infrastructure. According to him, it symbolizes the Army’s commitment to strengthening military-civilian relations while directly impacting grassroots education.
“We are here not only to repair walls and roofs but to rekindle trust and reaffirm our shared responsibility for national progress. The Army believes education is a foundation for peace, discipline, and development, and this project reflects that conviction,” Capt. Aliero noted.
The initiative also highlights the growing role of the military in non-combat social interventions across Nigeria. In recent years, the Army has taken up similar projects in rural communities, ranging from medical outreaches to school renovations, all aimed at building stronger ties with civilians and addressing gaps in public services.
Education experts have applauded the development, describing it as a good example of military-community partnership that should be replicated in other parts of the country. They noted that when local institutions and the military collaborate, sustainable solutions to infrastructural decay and social challenges are more likely to emerge.
As renovation works commence, expectations are high among the people of Modakeke. Parents are eager to see their children return to safe, upgraded classrooms, while teachers look forward to a better working environment that matches their dedication. For many, the facelift represents not just physical repairs but also renewed hope for a brighter future.
The renovation of St. Stephen’s A Primary School is, therefore, more than a construction project; it is a legacy intervention that blends history, community, and national service. As the walls are rebuilt and classrooms restored, the next generation of learners will carry forward the pride of a community whose historic school has been given a new life by the Nigerian Army.
