As part of the events marking the 50th anniversary of the founding of Government College, Lagos, Surulere, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, on Monday, commissioned the GCI STEM Lab.
The lab is equipped and managed by the SAIL Empowerment Foundation, an endowment of Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru and his wife, Mrs. Feyisola Abiru.
The governor also commissioned other landmark projects provided by Senator Abiru through the intervention of the Office of the Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Senator Abiru, an alumnus who graduated from the elite school over 40 years ago, facilitated the complete rehabilitation of a 700-seater auditorium, including its gallery.
Additional projects include the provision of 24 toilets on the first and ground floors, five administrative offices on the top floor, and the total reconstruction of two large lecture halls on the ground floor. The renovation also includes two staff rooms for teachers and two waiting areas.
Senator Abiru, who served as Chairman of the 50th Founders’ Day lecture, praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Sanwo-Olu for their contributions toward providing quality education.
He emphasized, “This is just the beginning. Our goal is not confined to Ikorodu or Lagos East. We aim to extend these opportunities to all of Lagos and, eventually, to every corner of Nigeria, ensuring that every child has access to a world-class education that empowers them to dream, innovate, and succeed.”
Reflecting on his personal journey, Senator Abiru continued, “As I reminisce about this institution’s legacy, I am drawn to my own family’s journey—one that began with my father, the late Senator Hon. Justice Mubasheer Akanbi Olatunji Abiru, born and raised in the serene town of Ikorodu. His life represents the values of ambition, determination, and service that I have strived to embody.”
Abiru highlighted his father’s pursuit of education, which led him from Ikorodu to Lagos Island and later Surulere, laying the foundation for the family’s values and aspirations.
He also reminisced about his time at Government College, Eric Moore, where he received the educational foundation that shaped his personal and professional success.
Discussing the current state of education, Abiru expressed concern about the growing divide between public and private schools, noting the decline in public education.
He stressed the importance of rebuilding an inclusive education system that prepares students from diverse backgrounds for the future.
Through the SAIL Empowerment Foundation, which he founded with his wife, Abiru established the SAIL Innovation Lab in partnership with Co-Creation Hub, Africa’s leading innovation lab.
The lab provides a state-of-the-art centre for graduates and students free of charge while equipping thousands of teachers with modern teaching methodologies.
“We are not just restoring but reimagining the public education system for the 21st century,” Abiru stated.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Basic Education, Hon. Jimoh Alli-Balogun commended Senator Abiru for his contributions to human capital development and other areas.
The Global President of the Government College Lagos Old Boys Association, Rear Admiral Leye Jaiyeola (Rtd), also praised Senator Abiru’s contributions, along with those of other distinguished individuals, particularly Princess (Mrs.) Adejoke Orelope-Adefulure, who significantly contributed to the school’s development.
The keynote lecture at the well-attended event was delivered by renowned intellectual property professor and GCI alumnus Professor Bankole Shodipo, SAN.
INN-HOUSE☆ 