The Lagos State Government has approved and inaugurated a new secondary school for the people of Odiolowo-Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA).
The approval and inauguration took place, Monday, 4 September, 2023 at Adeleye Public School on Damengoro Street, Mushin.
Welcoming the dignitaries to the event, the Chairman of Odiolowo-Ojuwoye LCDA, Honourable Rasaq Olusola Ajala, expressed joy for the approval and inauguration of the school.
He stated that the journey for approval had been a long one.
“The journey started about eight years ago when efforts were intensified by all the stakeholders, including myself, the member of the House of Representatives representing Mushin Federal Constituency 1, Honorable Adeyemi Alli, Honourable Nureni Akinsanya and Education Secretary Princess Akinlude, who wrote letters to the government about the availability of facilities to accommodate the students, and many other stakeholders,” he stated.
He thanked the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwoolu, for giving the approval and immediately inaugurating the school.
“This is another populist agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwoolu.
“The blue line rail was inaugurated from Marina to Mike 2 earlier today, and we are happy that this school is also brought to our doorstep.
“This will definitely save our students from traveling long distances from their homes to the school and also save their parents a lot of money on transportation,” he said.
He promised to do whatever the government in the LCDA can to make the school conducive for teaching and learning.
He urged parents and students to take ownership of the school by providing the needed materials for their children and supporting the teachers and non-teaching staff.
“I want to assure the Governor that necessary support will be given to his vision for giving this approval for the higher and beneficial education of our children,” he said.
In her keynote address, the Tutor General/Permanent Secretary, Dr. (Mrs.) Yusuf Shareefah Ajoke stated that “a problem is being solved” for the children traveling long distances to their schools.
“Apart from the cost of transportation, their safety is more important as they are more exposed to road hazards when they travel long journeys from their homes to the school,” she stated.
She stressed, “Having a school closer to the students will aid their learning because punctuality will be more enhanced if their homes are closer to their schools.”
She commended Hon. Ajala, Hon. Adeyemi Alli, Hon. Nureni Akinsanya, Education Secretary, and other stakeholders who have persistently worked towards the approval of the school.
The highlight of the event was the announcement of the name of the school and the immediate registration of the first set of students into JSS 1 at the venue.
“The name of the school shall be Ojuwoye Junior and Senior Comprehensive High School.”
She stated that the school will have additional advantages as its name suggests that it is a Comprehensive School.
“What this implies is that students who are not too good academically will have the advantage of engaging in other extracurricular activities such as Computer, Entertainment, Photography, and many others,” she said.
She requested the support and cooperation of the parents to ensure they support the school and provide the children with needed materials.
She also admonished them to talk, advise, and counsel their children on school life and attend meetings whenever they are called upon.
She requested the support of the government at the grassroots for the needed materials, such as furniture for the students and the staff of the school.
Present at the event were the Vice-Chairman of the LCDA, Hon. Seyi Jakande; the Secretary to the LCDA, Hon. Mujeeb Ayinde Daramola! Party Chairman, Hon. Babatunde Ismail Kazeem (TUNKAZ); the Secretary of the party, Hon. Mustapha Adeola Olaniyan; CDC Chairman, Elder Adekunle; and Secretary Mr. Tony.
Others included the Head of Administration in the LCDA, Mrs. Otenaike Afolake; Education Secretary, Mrs. Akinlude; Councilors of Ward B1, Hon. Akinniyi Lookman; B2, Hon. Akinlabi Bamidele; A2, Hon. Haruna Adeosun; Supervisor for Education, Hon. Bola Faiz; and HOD for Education, Mrs. Nike Lawal.
Also present were the Christian Association of Nigeria Chairman in Odiolowo-Ojuwoye LCDA, Pastor Abraham; Chief Imam Saheed Otolorin, members of the Association of Secondary Schools Principals, and members of the Nigerian Union of Teachers.