Lagos rolls out reforms to mark International Day of Education

Lagos rolls out reforms to mark International Day of Education

• Reaffirms commitment to youth-driven, inclusive learning

The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable education reforms and improved learning outcomes as the state marked the 2026 International Day of Education.

The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Alli-Balogun, made this known on Saturday while commemorating the global event, themed “The Power of Youth in Co-creating Education.”

Alli-Balogun said the theme aligns with Lagos State’s ongoing efforts to prioritise quality, accessibility, inclusiveness and safety in education, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 4 and the T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s administration.

According to a statement issued by the Deputy Director, Public Affairs, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Kayode Sutton, the Commissioner noted that the State had continued to invest comprehensively in public education.

“Our programmes reflect a statewide investment in expanding access, improving quality and modernising public education infrastructure,” he said.

The Commissioner listed several initiatives undertaken by the State Government, including capacity-building workshops for teachers, construction of new classroom blocks, rehabilitation of existing facilities and the commissioning of ultra-modern classroom projects across Lagos.

He also highlighted the payment of West African Examinations Council (WAEC) fees for eligible students as a major intervention, describing it as a game-changer that has eased the financial burden on parents and boosted students’ academic prospects.

Alli-Balogun further noted the expansion of digital learning through initiatives such as EKO EXCEL and the Eko Learner’s Support Programme, aimed at improving teaching quality and learning delivery in public schools.

On inclusiveness, the Commissioner said the State had strengthened policies and frameworks to support learners with disabilities and other vulnerable groups, including the expansion of scholarships and inclusion support.

He added that inclusive school infrastructure across the State had been upgraded and renovated to reduce learning barriers and ensure equal access to education for students with special needs.

Addressing safety concerns, Alli-Balogun said the Sanwo-Olu administration had implemented child protection policies, safeguarding training and sustained advocacy against abuse, exploitation and violence in schools.

He noted that schools now conduct regular safety awareness programmes, fire drills and enforce laboratory safety regulations to minimise risks.

The Commissioner also disclosed that planning and safety monitoring had been enhanced through a unified academic calendar, fostering a school culture that prioritises learner protection, risk prevention and overall wellbeing.

Alli-Balogun reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to sustainable reforms and enduring achievements targeted at improving learning outcomes across public schools in Lagos State, while wishing all learners a happy International Day of Education on behalf of the State Government.

The International Day of Education, proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly and marked annually on January 24, celebrates education’s role in peace and development, anchored on four pillars: learning to know, learning to do, learning to live together and learning to be.