The Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Alli-Balogun, has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to sustainable education reforms and improved learning outcomes as Lagos joined the rest of the world to commemorate the 2026 International Day of Education.
The commissioner, in a statement issued on Saturday and signed by Kayode Sutton, Deputy Director, Public Affairs of the ministry to commemorate the event, said the theme for this year, “The Power of Youth in Co-creating Education,” underscores the need to empower young people as active partners in shaping inclusive and future-ready education systems.
According to the statement, Alli-Balogun said the Lagos State Government has continued to prioritise quality, accessibility, inclusiveness and safety in public education, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) and the T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
“Our programmes reflect a statewide and comprehensive investment in expanding access, improving quality and modernising public education infrastructure,” the commissioner said.
He outlined key interventions by the state government, including regular capacity-building workshops for teachers, construction of new classroom blocks, rehabilitation of existing school facilities, and the commissioning of ultra-modern classroom projects across different parts of the state.
The commissioner also highlighted the payment of West African Examinations Council (WAEC) fees for eligible students as a major intervention, describing it as a “game-changer” in reducing the financial burden on parents and improving access to secondary education.
He further noted the expansion of digital learning initiatives such as EKO EXCEL and the Eko Learners’ Support Programme, aimed at enhancing teaching quality and learner engagement through technology.
On inclusiveness, Alli-Balogun said the state has strengthened policies and frameworks to support students with disabilities and other vulnerable groups, including the expansion of scholarship opportunities and inclusion support.
“The state government has also upgraded and renovated Inclusive School infrastructure to reduce learning barriers and ensure equal access to education for learners with disabilities,” he said.
Addressing school safety, the commissioner disclosed that the Sanwo-Olu administration has implemented child protection policies, safeguarding training for school personnel, and sustained advocacy against abuse, exploitation and violence in schools.
He added that schools across the state now conduct regular safety awareness programmes, fire drills and enforce laboratory safety regulations to minimise risks.
The commissioner further noted that planning and safety monitoring have been enhanced through the adoption of a unified academic calendar, which promotes effective supervision, risk prevention, learner protection and overall wellbeing.
Alli-Balogun reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to sustainable reforms and enduring achievements aimed 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 was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly and is observed annually on January 24 to highlight the role of education in peace and development, anchored on four pillars: learning to know, learning to do, learning to live together and learning to be.
