Residents of Modupe Johnson Crescent and Oseni Close in Surulere, Lagos State, have raised the alarm over what they described as the “troubling and unjust” acquisition of the Surulere Baptist School premises by the Lagos State Government through the Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC).
In a statement jointly signed by Folunsho Yayo, chairman of the Modupe Johnson Crescent Residents Association, and Funmi Okajuyigbe, Vice Chairman, the residents accused the State government of converting the historic school property into a private housing estate comprising 28 units of two-three-bedroom flats, despite its long-standing use as an educational facility.
The residents noted that Surulere Baptist School, which has served the community for over six decades, was built and operated by the Nigerian Baptist Convention (NBC) and occupies land legally owned and certified under a land certificate issued by the former Lagos Executive Development Board (LEDB).
“This historic institution has diligently served our community and shaped generations of leaders for over sixty (60) years,” the statement read. “The acquisition, cloaked in the claim that the premises rightfully belong to Gbaja Boys High School, raises significant concerns regarding the future of education in our area, the sanctity of lives and properties, as well as environmental issues.”
According to the resident associations, initial discussions with local authorities indicated that part of the land might be used to establish a health centre or additional classrooms to serve the growing population of students in the community. However, those plans were abandoned without explanation.
“Suddenly, we observed heavy-duty vehicles delivering building materials to the site,” the statement continued. “We then noticed a Construction Notice indicating that the project is a residential development… scheduled for completion within six (6) months.”
The residents expressed dismay that such a development was being prioritised over education at a time when the country faces an alarming rise in the number of out-of-school children.
“In a time when the challenge of a rising number of out-of-school children faces us, this acquisition will limit and block opportunities for the expansion of the school’s facilities, preventing potential learners from pursuing their education,” they warned. “Education, as we know, is a vital element of meaningful progress, and this crucial resource is being sacrificed for profit-driven ventures disguised as housing development.”
They also lamented what they described as a growing disregard for creativity, recreation, and talent development, which they say are vital components of holistic education.
Referencing the vision of Nigeria’s foremost education champions, the residents recalled the efforts of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, and Chief Adeniran Ogunsanya, describing them as leaders who “fought hard for accessible, quality education.”
“We cannot remain passive while our land is repurposed for the benefit of a privileged few, jeopardising the educational opportunities for our youth,” they said.
The residents also warned that the ongoing construction violates environmental regulations, as parts of the site are close to a canal.
“Existing laws in Lagos clearly prohibit construction on canals and sewage areas. However, exceptions are being made, which endangers both the environment and the integrity of our educational setting,” they noted.
They expressed fears that the new estate could overwhelm existing infrastructure, which was designed in the 1960s and already struggles to meet current needs.
“It is therefore easy to foresee what will occur with an additional 30 families: a complete collapse of existing infrastructure and living standards,” the statement said.
They further raised safety concerns about the pace of the construction, warning that completing a four-storey structure within six months may compromise structural integrity.
“If these structures, rising four floors, are to be finished within six (6) months, it raises concerns about the integrity and quality of the structures regarding the eventual safety of lives and property, as well as the Lagos State Government’s efforts to prevent collapsing structures,” they cautioned.
The residents said they have written to relevant authorities, including the Governor of Lagos State, the Commissioners for Education, Planning and Urban Development, and the Attorney General, as well as the LSDPC , but have received no meaningful response.
“We have yet to receive a meaningful response; instead, the work continues at an alarming pace,” the statement lamented.
They called on the media, civil society, and the public to demand a comprehensive reassessment of the project.
“We urge all members of the press to recognise this situation as a serious offence to public interest, sustainable development, and educational quality. Together, let us protect the future of education in our community,” the residents appealed.
