Lagos Adopts Comprehensive School Model To Check Drop-Out Syndrome

In a bid to empower students with requisite skills for a self reliant future,
the Lagos State government says it has commenced comprehensive school programme for secondary school Students in twelve Schools.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu who made this known in Ikeja at a parade and rally to mark this year’s Children’s Day explained that the Comprehensive School model aims to provide opportunity for students to learn range of vocational skills alongside normal school curriculum as the students are selected based on vocation and skills interest.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Folasade Jaji, Governor Sanwo-Olu announced that his administration intends to increase the schools to 50 before the end of the year and urged children not to toy with their education, but to strive hard to make their parents and the entire State proud.

“Our administration is desirous of empowering students with requisite skills for a self-reliant future by providing a suitable path for them based on their skill competence.
We recognize the role education plays in ensuring a better future of our children. We have also intensified efforts through the Project Zero Programme to curb the rate of out of school children and bring them back to school as our administration has zero tolerance for Out of School Children.
As part of our efforts to improve teaching and learning in our Primary and Secondary Schools across the State, we have embarked on and commissioned over 1,449 projects covering 1,036 schools across all 20 LGAs and 37 LCDAs. These projects include construction, renovation, and rehabilitation of dilapidated Public Schools, and supply of composite units of furniture to schools, among other infrastructure projects” The Governor said
In an address of welcome, the Commissioner for Education, Mrs Folasade Adefisayo who
noted that students in the State have continued to distinguish themselves in national and international competitions winning several laurels and trophies for the State acknowledge the role of teachers in mentoring these children,
and commended parent and guardians for being good role models.

The Commissioner stated that students in the State have continued to distinguish themselves in national and international competitions winning several laurels and trophies for the State and urged them not to relent.
“I implore you to continue to work harder and excel both in academic and co-curricular activities. The State Government has put a lot of facilities at your disposal and you have to effectively use them to your advantage” she said

In a goodwill message, the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, Mrs Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi said the society has a huge role to play in ensuring the wellbeing of children to enable them develop and grow freely in a safe environment.

She encouraged children to report all forms of abuse as the State Government had put in place measures to ensure their safety.

“Do not give in to negative peer pressure. If you are experiencing any form of abuse or the other, be it domestic or sexual abuse please speak up. Tell a trusted adult, tell your teacher, keep telling someone until something is done about the situation. You will not die, your parents will not die, rather you would be free once you report the abuse”

The theme of the Children’s Day celebration is: “A Better Future for Every Child”