As the tenure of Mr. Amusa Afolabi as the Education Secretary of Ikorodu Local Government Education Authority (LGEA) draws to a close, the people of Ikorodu have much to reflect on and appreciate.
Appointed on May 14, 2020, Mr. Afolabi has served for five years with distinction, steering the educational sector of the division towards enhanced inclusivity, innovation, and infrastructural development.
In a statement of appreciation recently, Mr. Afolabi thanked God Almighty for the opportunity to serve, and expressed his deep gratitude to the Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government, the Chairmen of the five Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), and the Elders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ikorodu for their unflinching support throughout his tenure.
One of the cornerstones of Mr. Afolabi’s administration was his commitment to inclusive education.
Under his leadership, the number of inclusive centres grew from one to five, with new facilities established in Igbogbo, Abule Eko, Imota, and Salvation Army Ikorodu.
The promotion of digital literacy was also a major highlight. The number of computer centres rose from one to five across the region—located in Igbogbo, Imota, Mowo Nla, and Isawo—providing pupils with critical access to ICT tools and training.
Significant strides were made in expanding creative and practical education. The number of Arts and Craft Centres increased from one to four, now including centres at Jamatul Islamiyah Sabo, Ijede, Igbogbo, and Methodist Complex, Ikorodu. Similarly, Home Economics Centres rose from one to three, with new additions in Ijede and Imota.
Recognizing the need for access to quality primary education, Mr. Afolabi oversaw the establishment of several new schools including Idera Primary School, Methodist Primary School II Elepe, Asanat Tomori Primary School, and Egbin Kingdom Primary School—all duly approved by the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).
In addition, three proposed schools—Olu Odo Community Primary School, Igbe Ogunro; Model Primary School, Ilado; and Community Primary School, Bayeku—are awaiting approval.
Teacher development was prioritized through a series of training programmes, including computer literacy and other impactful capacity-building initiatives.
To further improve teaching and learning conditions, furniture was supplied to schools and the LGEA through the LGEA/SUBEB initiative.
Additionally, the Education Management Information System (EMIS) Centre was renovated and equipped with 12 new desktop computers, enhancing data management and digital operations. Power supply within the authority was boosted with the provision of eight generator sets across departments.
The health and welfare of both staff and pupils were given prime attention. A mini-clinic was established at the LGEA headquarters, and all 67 schools were equipped with sickbays, first aid boxes, and basic drugs.
Some of these sickbays even boast qualified nursing personnel, with assistance from Imota LCDA and Ikorodu LG.
Four functional and standard libraries were established under Mr. Afolabi’s leadership. These include an e-library at C&S Primary School II, LGEA Library, Model Primary School Library, and St. John’s Anglican Primary School, Imota.
Furthermore, 64 schools were equipped with reading rooms to encourage a reading culture among pupils.
School security was strengthened through collaborative efforts between the LGEA and the local government, both of which funded security personnel.
Social and cultural activities were also promoted, with annual observances such as Ramadan Lectures, Independence Day celebrations, Children’s Day, Christmas Carols, Founders’ Day/Merit Awards, and robust sporting events.
These included: LGEA Sports Festival across zones and LCDAs; and Mini-Marathon: Sponsored at LGEA level by Olori Kudirat Abosede Sotobi, and at the school level by HRM Oba Ajibade Bakare Agoro, the Ranodu of Imota.
Under the Agriculture Education Training Programme (AETP) backed by UBEC, SUBEB, and LGEA, 15 schools were selected to run programmes in cash crops, livestock, and animal husbandry, further enriching the basic education curriculum with practical skills.
While the achievements recorded are numerous and impactful, Mr. Afolabi humbly acknowledged that more work remains.
He expressed his desire to serve a second term as Education Secretary to consolidate on the gains of the past five years and drive further progress in Ikorodu’s basic education system.
INN-HOUSE☆ 