Lagos has rehabilitated 4,000 schools, says SCRPS Chairman

By Adeola Ogunrinde

The Lagos State Government has rehabilitated 4,000 schools since the beginning of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration, the Chairman of the Special Committee on Rehabilitation of Public Schools (SCRPS), Hakeem Smith, said on Tuesday.

Speaking at a press briefing in Alausa, Ikeja, Smith announced that Governor Sanwo-Olu would officially commission 16 blocks of classrooms across various public schools in the state on Wednesday.

Smith noted that SCRPS was re-inaugurated on November 4, 2019, to address the infrastructure decay in Lagos public schools. He further stated that the government has constructed approximately 1,290 blocks of classrooms across the state’s six education districts.

Present at the briefing were the State Commissioners for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, and Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Alli-Balogun. The commissioning event will commence at Keme Balogun School in Ibeshe, Ikorodu, followed by a drive-through and the inauguration of Ajegunle Junior School in Kosofe.

Smith revealed that since its inauguration, SCRPS has rehabilitated 386 blocks of classrooms in both primary and secondary schools. He emphasized that all new construction projects undergo geotechnical soil investigations to ensure structural integrity and durability. The designs prioritize natural light, ventilation, and the use of high-quality materials.

Speaking on modular classroom construction, Smith clarified that the initiative is not about using containers but about integrating advanced technology to enhance learning. “The goal is to provide faster and more efficient ways to construct schools while promoting quality education,” he explained.

He added that traditional teaching tools such as blackboards and whiteboards are being replaced with interactive screens, enabling teachers to use digital tools while students learn with tablets or mobile devices.

The committee has also supplied about 208,000 units of composite furniture designed to improve student comfort. “Principals’ and teachers’ furniture are provided alongside student furniture. Although some schools still experience shortfalls, we are continuously addressing these gaps,” Smith assured.