Tinubu: Education investment key to reducing crime, securing Nigeria’s future

The President stressed that education remains central to national development and social transformation.

Addressing students, he urged them to make good use of the facilities provided, describing them as the “future leaders of Nigeria.”

“Through education, prosperity will come to you. Poverty has been banished from your families,” he said.

He also lauded Lagos State for its leadership in infrastructure development, describing it as “an exemplary state” and a model for others across the country.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said the project represents a complete transformation of the historic Tolu Schools Complex into what he called a “school city” designed for 21st-century learning.

Sanwo-Olu explained that the facility now comprises five primary schools, 15 junior secondary schools, and 16 senior secondary schools, supported by modern infrastructure including laboratories, ICT hubs, vocational training centres, and sports facilities.

He said the regeneration was necessary to address years of infrastructural decay, overcrowding, and flooding, which had undermined teaching and learning in the area.

“No child should have to fight floodwater to access education. What we have done here is not a facelift, but a complete re-imagination of public education,” he said.

The governor added that the project aligns with his administration’s vision of inclusive and equitable development, noting that a special needs school was also incorporated to ensure no child is left behind.

The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, described the project as a landmark achievement and a clear demonstration of the government’s commitment to the future of Nigerian children.

“This is not just the commissioning of a school, it is a bold statement that Nigeria is investing decisively in the future of its children,” he said.

Alausa praised President Tinubu’s sustained investment in the education sector, noting that reforms under the current administration have prioritised access, equity, and quality learning nationwide.

He also commended Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for what he called an unprecedented achievement in Sub-Saharan Africa.

“You have done something that has never been done before. This is how human capital is built. From Ikoyi to Ajegunle, this shows foresight and a clear vision for inclusive development,” he said.

The minister described the complex as a “city of learning,” built on about 12 acres and housing 36 schools—five primary, 15 junior secondary, and 16 senior secondary—with capacity for over 20,000 students.

According to him, the facility aligns with the Federal Government’s broader education agenda, which focuses on expanding access, strengthening technical and vocational education, and improving infrastructure across all levels.

Alausa added that over one million out-of-school children have been returned to classrooms in the last 30 months, particularly the girl-child, as part of ongoing reforms.

“This complex is a testament to what is possible when national and sub-national governments work together with a shared vision,” he said.

Dignitaries at the event included Former Member of the House of Representatives of Nigeria, Deputy, Ned Nwoko, Deputy Governor of Plateau State, Josephine Piyo, and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, and other dignitaries.

The commissioning also featured the unveiling of a stadium within the complex, equipped with 19 mini football pitches, further reinforcing the government’s commitment to youth development through sports.

The Tolu Schools Complex, originally established in 1981, has now been transformed into one of the largest integrated educational hubs in West Africa, marking a major milestone in Lagos State’s education sector reforms.