Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, on Wednesday inaugurated the first-ever public secondary school in the Itire-Ikate Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Surulere, Lagos State.
The newly established Femi Gbajabiamila Junior Secondary School, donated by the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, is designed to end years of educational hardship faced by students and parents in the community.
Speaking at the event, Gbajabiamila described the project as a “defining milestone” in the pursuit of accessible and quality education for every child in the area.
“This is not just the opening of a new school; it marks the birth of opportunity, progress, and renewed hope for generations to come,” he said.
Represented by the lawmaker for Surulere II Federal Constituency, Lanre Okunola, Gbajabiamila noted that children from the community had long been forced to travel considerable distances to attend schools outside their locality, often facing safety risks or dropping out altogether.
“Today, that struggle has ended. This school stands as a beacon of inclusion, ensuring that no child in Itire-Ikate is left behind due to geography or circumstance,” he said.
He added that the project aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises education and human capital development nationwide.
Gbajabiamila recalled his consistent advocacy for education, including his role in initiating the Students’ Loan Bill, which Tinubu later signed into law to ensure access to higher education for all Nigerians, regardless of financial status.
“Education does not begin at the university level; it starts in schools like this, where young minds are nurtured and shaped for the future,” he said.
He also highlighted his personal involvement in supporting local education through school renovations, classroom equipment, and voluntary teaching engagements in Surulere, stressing that leadership must be demonstrated through action.
Expressing gratitude to the people of Itire-Ikate for naming the school after him, Gbajabiamila said the institution would not only provide education but also create jobs for teachers, administrators, and support staff while becoming a source of community pride.
“This school will help build the next generation of leaders, innovators, and professionals who will contribute to the progress of Lagos State and Nigeria,” he said.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education Jamiu Alli-Balogun, commended Gbajabiamila for the “life-transforming” gesture, describing it as an example of how philanthropy and partnership can drive educational advancement.
“This project stands as a beacon of hope and progress. It embodies our shared commitment to providing quality education that equips children with the skills and values needed to excel,” Sanwo-Olu said, adding that the initiative aligns with the THEMES Plus Agenda of his administration.
Other dignitaries at the event included Fuad Laguda, lawmaker representing Surulere I Federal Constituency; Desmond Elliot and Mosunmola Sangodara, members of the Lagos State House of Assembly; Oba Lateef Adams, the Onikate of Surulere; and several community leaders.
The Chairman of Coker/Aguda LCDA, Azeez Ogidan, described the project as “a monumental and defining moment” for Surulere, noting Gbajabiamila’s longstanding contributions to education, healthcare, and youth empowerment.
Similarly, the Chairman of Itire-Ikate LCDA, Oluwafemi Odunayo, hailed the project as a milestone for the community and pledged the council’s full support to ensure its sustainability.
“This school reflects Gbajabiamila’s unwavering commitment to youth development and community progress,” Odunayo said.
