The Chief of Staff to the President, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, on Wednesday, commissioned the first-ever public secondary school in the Itire-Ikate Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Surulere, Lagos State. The new institution, named Femi Gbajabiamila Junior Secondary School, was established to address long-standing educational challenges in the area and ensure access to quality education for children within the community.
The initiative marks a historic milestone as Itire-Ikate, for the first time, now has a functional public secondary school within its borders. Before now, students in the community had to travel long distances daily to attend schools in neighbouring areas, a situation that led to safety concerns, absenteeism, and in some cases, school dropouts.
Speaking at the inauguration, Gbajabiamila represented by Hon. Lanre Okunola, member representing Surulere II Federal Constituency described the development as a defining moment in the quest for inclusive and accessible education. He said the establishment of the school symbolised opportunity, progress, and renewed hope for the community’s young generation.
He noted that the hardship endured by parents, students, and teachers for many years had now come to an end, adding that the new institution would bridge the educational gap in the community and support the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritises education as a key driver of national development.
Gbajabiamila recalled that his advocacy for educational reform extended beyond this project, referencing his role in championing the Students’ Loan Bill during his tenure as Speaker of the House of Representatives. He said the law was designed to ensure that financial limitations would never prevent any Nigerian student from accessing higher education opportunities.
“Education does not begin at the university level,” he said, “it starts in schools like this, where young minds are nurtured and shaped for the future.” He also mentioned his previous efforts in renovating schools, equipping classrooms, and personally volunteering to teach, as part of his belief that true leadership is demonstrated through service and example.
The Chief of Staff expressed gratitude to the leaders and people of Itire-Ikate for naming the school after him, noting that the institution would go beyond learning to serve as a centre of employment, community pride, and youth empowerment. He said the school’s establishment would create jobs for teachers, administrators, and support staff while inspiring a culture of excellence among students.
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Alli-Balogun, described the project as “life-transforming,” praising Gbajabiamila’s philanthropic intervention. He said the project perfectly aligned with the THEMES Plus Agenda, particularly the pillar of education and technology development in Lagos State.
Sanwo-Olu noted that the partnership between government and private citizens in advancing educational infrastructure was a model worth emulating, as it strengthened public education and created opportunities for thousands of children. “This school stands as a beacon of hope and a symbol of progress,” he said, adding that it would help shape the next generation of leaders and innovators.
Similarly, Hon. Fuad Laguda, who represents Surulere I Federal Constituency, commended Gbajabiamila’s continuous interventions in education and other developmental projects. He noted that the new school was yet another example of Gbajabiamila’s enduring legacy and commitment to transforming his community through meaningful and sustainable initiatives.
