The Chief of Staff to the President, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, on Wednesday inaugurated a secondary school in Itire-Ikate Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Surulere area of Lagos,the first- ever public secondary school in the community.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)reports that the school was facilitated by the Chief of Staff to the President.
Inaugurating the school, Gbajabiamila Junior Secondary School, the Chief of Staff said hardship faced by parents and guardians accessing secondary education for their children and wards had ended.
“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.
“For the first time in the history of Itire-lkate, this community now has a public secondary school within its borders,” he said.
Gbajabiamila, who was represented by Rep. Lanre Okunola, member representing Surulere II at the House of Representatives, said that parents had been watched their children travel long distances daily to attend schools outside their community for many years.
He added: “Some faced daily hardships and safety concerns, while others abandoned their education altogether.
Today, that struggle has ended.
“This school stands as a beacon of inclusion, ensuring that no child in Itire-lkate is left behind because of geography or circumstances, which also reflects the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu to provide continuous support for education at all levels in Nigeria.”
According to him, education has always been the foundation of every prosperous society as it empowers individuals, transforms communities, and builds nations.
Gbajabiamila said that throughout his years in public service, he had remained deeply committed to advancing education at all levels.
He recounted that during his tenure as Speaker of the House of Representatives, he championed the Students’ Loan Bill, now signed into law.
Thanking President Tinubu for assenting to the bill, he said that the idea aimed to ensure that every young Nigerian, regardless of financial background, could pursue higher education without the burden of cost.
“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.
He said that his involvement with education had never been limited to policy or legislation.
“In Surulere, we have worked to renovate schools, equip classrooms, and provide teaching aids.
“I have volunteered to teach in secondary schools, believing leadership must be demonstrated through action, not just words.
“By sharing my time and experience with students, I have seen firsthand how education fosters discipline, confidence, and purpose.
“This school embodies the same commitment to give every child the opportunity to learn, dream, and succeed,” he added.
The chief of staff appreciated the leaders, stakeholders, and people of Itire-lkate LCDA for naming the institution after him.
According to him, the influence of the institution will extend well beyond its classrooms.
“It will create jobs for teachers, administrators, and support staff, and it will serve as a centre of learning and community pride.
“It will shape the next generation of leaders, innovators, and professionals who will contribute to the progress of Lagos State and Nigeria.
“When a community invests in education, it invests in peace, prosperity, and continuity,” he said.
The chief of staff expressed gratitude to the State Government, particularly the Ministry of Basic Education, for their partnership and commitment to integrating the school into the public education system.
Speaking, Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu said that the inauguration of Femi Gbajabiamila Junior Secondary School, was a testament to the power of philanthropy and dedication in the delivery of transformative intervention that can change the community forever.
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Jamiu Alli-Balogun described the project as life- transforming.
“The frontier of education governance globally is predicated on collaboration and partnership with the government on building a better and brighter tomorrow for our children.
“With access to qualitative education in the state, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the chief of staff to Mr President and by extension to everyone that has contributed to the realisation of this remarkable project.
“This life-transforming project no doubt profoundly impacts countless students, shaping the future and contributing importantly to the advancement of the education sector, particularly in the Itire-Ikate and the state in general.
He said that the school would serve as a beacon of hope and a symbol of progress the state worked hard to achieve.
“The project embodies our collective commitment to providing, quality education, equipping our children with skills, knowledge, values necessary to excel in life.
“This project in no doubt aligns with the present administration ‘s THEMES Plus Agenda, in which education and technology stood out as a top pillar,” he said.
Also speaking, Rep. Fuad Laguda, representing Surulere 1 Federal Constituency, noted that Gbajabiamila’s numerous interventions had continued to put him on his toes, as the former speaker’s successor.
Speaking, Chairman, Coker/Aguda LCDA, Mr Azeez Ogidan, described the project as monumental and a big gift for Surulere constituency.
Ogidan said that Gbajabiamila had over the years demonstrated visionary leadership and passion for service with a far-reaching impact on education, healthcare, infrastructure and youth empowerment.
According to him, Gbajabiamila’s interventions have continued to touch lives, transform communities and strengthen the social fabrics of Surulere.
“This school stands not only as the beacon of knowledge,but also as a lasting legacy of Gbajabiamila’s education impact, building a brighter future for our children,” he said.
He said that Gbajabiamila’s impacts in Coker/Aguda and Itire-Ikate LCDAs,which together form Surulere Constituency 2, had continued to inspire confidence in the people.
The chairman said that both councils were also delighted to know that contractors would soon resume work at the fire station project in Coker/Aguda–another initiative facilitated by Gbajabiamila.
Responding, the Chairman, Itire-Ikate LCDA, Mr Oluwafemi Odunayo, who applauded Gbajabiamila for the “impactful project”, described the school as a milestone in the community.
“This is a testament of Gbajabiamila’s unwavering commitment to development of our community and the education of our youths,” Odunayo said.
He said that the council had also done a lot in supporting educational development in the area, including distribution of over 200 free GCE forms, no fewer than 5000 school uniforms and school bags.
The chairman said that the council would make good use of the school.
NAN reports that the event was attended by various stakeholders,including Mr Desmond Elliot,representing Surulere 1 in the State House of Assembly ,and Mrs Mosunmola Sangodara,representing Surulere 2.
A traditional ruler, Oba Lateef Adams, the Onikate of Surulere, was among those who attended the inauguration.
