Lagos: The Lagos State Government has launched a comprehensive schools’ needs assessment to generate reliable data guiding reforms, resource allocation, and improved basic education across public schools.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the official launch was held on Thursday at the LASUBEB Multi-purpose Hall, Maryland, Lagos. Dr. Hakeem Shittu described the project as a bold step toward evidence-based planning in education. Shittu explained that the exercise would provide insights into schools’ strengths and weaknesses, enabling targeted interventions, teacher training, and infrastructure upgrades to improve pupils’ learning outcomes.
He emphasized that the initiative reflects the state government’s unwavering commitment to raising the quality of basic education across Lagos. He commended teachers, school administrators, and education officers for their dedication, urging parents, communities, and partners to support the process for sustainable sector-wide improvement. Shittu also expressed gratitude to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his strong backing of reforms, stressing that the project would deliver immediate and long-term benefits to learners. “Together, we can build a brighter future for the next generation of Lagosians. The assessment will directly shape government policies and reforms in education,” he said.
Similarly, Executive Assistant to Gov. Sanwo-Olu on Project Implementation and Monitoring, Mr. Oluwasegun Sanwo-Olu, explained that the six-week exercise would cover schools, vocational centres, and local education offices. He disclosed that 1,284 facilities, including schools in riverine and upland areas, would be assessed, with over 200 assessors deployed for surveys, visits, and weekly reviews. Sanwo-Olu added that data collected would be thoroughly verified before being presented to SUBEB and then to the governor for timely policy actions addressing pressing challenges.
“The goal is to provide a development plan any government can rely on, covering manpower, training, infrastructure, expansion, and transportation for current and future administrations,” he said. He stressed that information technology tools would be deployed for accurate data analysis, positioning Lagos as a centre of excellence in educational planning and reform.