Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has inaugurated the remodelled Tolu Schools Complex in Ajegunle, Lagos, which comprises about 36 public schools.
The school complex was commissioned along with 19 mini-football pitches built side by side close to the complex.
At the event, the President also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to expanding access to quality education and equipping young Nigerians with practical skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving global economy.
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He maintained that the project reflects the core objectives of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises human capital development as a pathway to national growth and prosperity.
Represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the President noted that the large-scale educational facility is designed to ensure that every child, regardless of background, has access to quality learning in a conducive environment.
He said the complex, which accommodates over 20,000 students, demonstrates a strategic effort to prepare young people for a modern economy by integrating academic learning with practical and vocational skills.
President Tinubu said the scale of regeneration of the Tolu Schools Complex by the Sanwo-Olu government was “exceptional and remarkable”, stressing that the intervention reflected the vision, planning, and commitment of the Governor to improve the lives of young citizens.
“The remarkable scale and significance of Tolu Schools Complex regeneration is truly exceptional. The successful upgrade of such a large and complex educational facility is highly commendable.
“This reflects the vision, planning and very clear commitment to improving the lives of our young citizens. Sanwo-Olu and his team deserve commendation for delivering a project of this magnitude and for demonstrating what is possible when leadership is bold and focused.
“We must continue to invest in education, not just as a social service but as a driver of economic growth and national development. When we equip our children with knowledge and skills, we prepare them to contribute meaningfully to society and compete in a changing world.
“This is an investment in the strength and progress of not just our state but the country. No nation can rise above the quality of its human capital. When we give our young people access to quality education, the right skills and supportive environment, we are preparing them not just for today, but for the future we all desire.” He said.
Renewed Hope Agenda
Through his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Tinubu said he has designed programmes that will ensure every child has access to quality care, learning, and practical skills to compete and thrive in the emerging modern economy.
By strengthening human capital development, the President said a society would build a workforce capable of driving innovation, creating jobs, and sustaining national growth.
“Projects like these show what is possible when leadership is focused and deliberate. This is how we turn opportunities into progress, potential into prosperity for all Nigerians. Lagos is leading in this direction,” the President said.
Tolu’s Story
In his address, Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said the story of Tolu Schools Complex started in 1981 during the Mass Education Policy of the late Lateef Jakande administration, aimed at providing accessible education in Ajegunle.
He said the government reclaimed land from the Lagos Lagoon to build the complex, which started with two pioneer schools, Unity and Olodi Apapa Secondary Schools.
The complex, according to him, was later expanded by successive military administrations, after which a major milestone was recorded during the administration of then-Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who added Bola Ige Millennium Secondary School.
The Governor said the complex’s condition deteriorated due to a growing pupil population. Classrooms originally designed for 35 students were crammed with over 100 pupils, and the perimeter fencing was damaged by floodwater.
According to him: “We took a clear and deliberate decision to regenerate this historic complex completely and courageously……., We have transformed the Tolu Schools Complex into the largest integrated educational community in West Africa,” Governor Sanwo-Olu explained.
Committed Leadership
The Minister of Education, Mr Tunji Alausa, said the massive regeneration of Tolu Schools Complex stands as a powerful testament to the vision of committed leadership in Lagos, noting that the accomplishment reflects what is possible when leadership is purposeful, intentional, and people-centric.
The achievement, he said, is in furtherance of President Tinubu’s visionary leadership and his commitment to quality education through the Renewed Hope Agenda.
It was a moment of unrestrained excitement for pupils of the 36 schools in the complex, who trooped out to welcome Sanwo-Olu and Akpabio, clad in their respective uniforms.
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