Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, has inaugurated the first-ever public secondary school in the Itire-Ikate Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Surulere, Lagos State, a project he personally donated to bridge the education gap in the community.
The institution, named Femi Gbajabiamila Junior Secondary School, is the first public secondary school in the area’s history and is expected to significantly improve access to quality education for children who had long been forced to travel to neighbouring districts for schooling.
Speaking at the inauguration on Wednesday, Gbajabiamila, represented by Lanre Okunola, the lawmaker representing Surulere II Federal Constituency, said the project marked a “defining milestone” in the pursuit of inclusive education for all.
“This event marks a defining milestone in our collective pursuit of accessible, quality education for every child in this community. It is not merely opening a new institution but the birth of opportunity, progress, and renewed hope for generations to come,” he said.
Gbajabiamila lamented the years of hardship endured by students and parents who had to send their children across long distances daily to access public education, describing the new school as “a beacon of inclusion” for the community.
“For the first time in the history of Itire-Ikate, this community now has a public secondary school within its borders. Some faced daily hardships and safety concerns, while others abandoned their education altogether. Today, that struggle has ended,” he said.
He added that the project aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes education as a tool for national transformation.
“This school reflects the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu to provide continuous support for education at all levels in Nigeria,” Gbajabiamila noted.
The former Speaker of the House of Representatives, who spearheaded the Students’ Loan Bill during his tenure, now signed into law by the President said his lifelong commitment to education had been driven by a belief in its power to transform individuals and societies.
“Education has always been the foundation of every prosperous society as it empowers individuals, transforms communities, and builds nations. However, education does not start at university; it begins in schools like this, where young minds are nurtured and shaped for the future,” he said.
Gbajabiamila also thanked the Lagos State Government, particularly the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, for integrating the school into the state’s education system, noting that the institution would create jobs and foster community pride.
“This school will create jobs for teachers, administrators, and support staff, and serve as a centre of learning and community pride. When a community invests in education, it invests in peace, prosperity, and continuity,” he added.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Alli-Balogun, praised Gbajabiamila’s gesture, describing it as a model of visionary leadership and philanthropy.
“The inauguration of Femi Gbajabiamila Junior and Senior Secondary School is a testament to the power of dedication and collaboration in transforming communities. This life-changing project will profoundly impact countless students, shaping the future and advancing education in Lagos State,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He noted that the initiative aligns with his administration’s THEMES Plus Agenda, where education and technology remain top priorities.
“This project embodies our collective commitment to providing quality education and equipping our children with the skills, knowledge, and values necessary to excel in life,” the governor added.
House of Representatives member Fuad Laguda (Surulere I) commended Gbajabiamila’s continued interventions in the constituency, saying his achievements had set high standards for public service.
Similarly, Azeez Ogidan, Chairman of Coker/Aguda LCDA, described the project as “a monumental and defining moment for Surulere.”
“Gbajabiamila has, over the years, demonstrated visionary leadership and passion for service with far-reaching impact on education, healthcare, infrastructure, and youth empowerment. This school stands not only as a beacon of knowledge but as a lasting legacy of his commitment to education,” Ogidan said.
Oluwafemi Odunayo, Chairman of Itire-Ikate LCDA, also applauded the project, describing it as a milestone in the community’s history.
“This is a testament to Gbajabiamila’s unwavering commitment to the development of our community and the education of our youth,” Odunayo said, noting that the council would maximize the opportunities the new school presents.
He also highlighted the council’s own efforts in promoting education, including the distribution of over 200 free GCE forms, 5,000 school uniforms and bags, and several youth empowerment initiatives.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by key stakeholders, including Desmond Elliot and Mosunmola Sangodara, members of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Surulere Constituencies I and II; Oba Lateef Adams, the Onikate of Surulere; and other community leaders.
