Posted by By Paul Dada on
The Lagos state governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), has assured Lagosians that his administration would construct 15,000 new classrooms in public schools by 2011.
The Lagos state governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), has assured Lagosians that his administration would construct 15,000 new classrooms in public schools by 2011.
He also stated that government would provide free textbooks in key subjects to pupils in public primary and secondary schools.
Governor Fashola made this known on Monday, during the launch of the state government's Support Our Schools (SOS) initiative aimed at getting the support of individuals and corporate organisations in the provision of facilities in public school.
According to the governor, 'we have set a target of constructing 15,000 new classrooms in both primary and secondary schools in Lagos public schools by 2001 and at the same time, aggressively re-equipping our science laboratories, procuring intro-technology equipment and beatifying the environment of our schools.
'We are providing free text books in key subjects to children in our public primary and secondary schools from the 2008 academic session.'
The governor said that all children in Lagos State, regardless of the financial status of their parents or guardians, would be allowed equal access to education so as to guarantee their future.
'We are providing free education in 1,030 public primary schools, 313 junior secondary schools and 303 senior secondary schools in this state. Our administration is paying all internal and external examination fees for all categories of children in our public primary and secondary schools so that no child is forced to drop out of school due to inability to pay the fees,' the governor assured, affirming that a close collaboration between the public and private sectors was particularly crucial for the revitalisation of the public school system.
He said through this, indigent children are able to obtain qualitative education, adding, 'I can assure you that your widow's mite can make a world of differences in these schools. For example, you can contribute to providing school facilities like libraries, classrooms, furniture, toilets, laboratories, ICT rooms, sports equipment, school buses and other such facilities in these schools.'
The governor said private and corporate citizens could help enhance learning experiences by sponsoring trips and education tours in public schools, promoting human capacity development through training of teachers and school administrators, supporting awards and recognition for teachers through special remuneration, while providing scholarships and grants to students. The governor reiterated the fact that educating children is a foundation for a better future for the society.