Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday commissioned newly constructed block of six classrooms, furniture, toilets and borehole at Farm Settlement Primary School, Odogunyan in Ikorodu area of the State, just as he expressed optimism that it would go a long way to complement efforts geared towards meeting pupil/ classroom ratio in line with UNESCO standards.
The Governor, who spoke at the commissioning of the infrastructure donated by Ford Foundation in conjunction with Journalists for Democratic Rights (JORDER), said the school infrastructure was part of efforts towards restoring and sustaining confidence in the public school system by guarantying equal access to quality education to all children especially those with humble socio-economic background.
He said that the 17 per cent of the current Budget of the State earmarked for the Education Sector was the highest sectoral allocation in the Budget and would go a long way to ensure that every child can access to quality education.
Governor Ambode, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Mr. Tunji Bello, reiterated the commitment of his administration to positive reforms in the educational sector through the provision of necessary infrastructure and curriculum development.
He expressed appreciation to the Foundation in promoting international cooperation and advancing human development through the collaboration with Government, private sector, academia and the host communities.
“As Partners-in-Progress, we consider this donation a demonstration of your belief in this administration’s policy of encouraging corporate organizations, public spirited individuals and other stakeholders to buy into our “Adopt-a-School Initiative”, the Governor said.
The Governor urged the school community who are direct beneficiaries as well as the Odogunyan community to take ownership and assume responsibility for proper care the new classrooms.
He also called on other well- meaning and public spirited individuals, corporate organizations and other stakeholders to join hands with the government in order to move the state forward in all sectors.
The Governor later cut the tape to formally hand over the classrooms and facilities alongside the Representatives of Ford Foundation in West Africa, Mr. Innocent Chukwuma, the Executive Director of the Journalists for Democratic Rights (JODER), Mr. Adewale Adeoye and Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Ganiyu Sopeyin.