LAGOS GOVT BEGINS STATEWIDE DISTRIBUTION OF PROCURED TEXTBOOKS TO PUBLIC SCHOOLS (PHOTOS)
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By: Sefiu Ajape
The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, on Tuesday launched the official distribution of newly procured textbooks to public schools across the state, marking a renewed effort to strengthen teaching and learning in line with the THEMES+ agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The event, held at the Education Resource Centre (ERC), Ojodu-Berger, brought together top officials in the education sector, including the Honourable Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Alli-Balogun; Tutor-General/Permanent Secretaries; school administrators; teachers; and students.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Alli-Balogun, said the initiative was born out of the concerns raised by teachers during his visits to schools, where they lamented the lack of textbooks in classrooms.
He said the issue was immediately presented to the Governor, who approved the procurement.
He noted that the books being distributed cover core subjects—especially English and Mathematics—as well as the WAEC syllabus, which he described as critical to curriculum delivery.
“This is the first batch; by the second quarter of next year, we’ll equally have another batch,” he said.
“When we don’t have WAEC syllabus in our schools, how do we know what to teach the students?”
Alli-Balogun commended Lagos State’s strong performance in the last WAEC and NECO examinations and appreciated teachers for their hard work, dedication and commitment to raising academic standards, while urging them not to relent.
He also admonished students to take their education more seriously, saying, “Please and please, the moment is now, the turning point is now, the future starts from now.”
Encouraging them to cultivate the habit of studying, he said, “Read your book, do research on your own. If you’re not clear about something taught in class or outside, go to your teacher as many times as possible. But approach matters—don’t be aggressive; be respectful, obedient and submissive to your teachers.”
The Commissioner further revealed that tablets will soon be distributed to education districts to aid digital learning, describing it as another step possible only through the commitment of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary for Education District III, Mr. Olusegun Osinaike, described the occasion as “another historic moment in the history of education in Lagos State,” adding that the initiative aligns with the THEMES+ agenda, where education and technology occupy strategic importance.
“My own task here is very simple and straightforward,” he said, “and that is to welcome you to this gathering.”
Also speaking, the Head of Department, Curricular Services, Mr. Adedamola Abatan, expressed appreciation to the Governor and the Commissioner for their continued support for curriculum development and resource provision in public schools.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Mrs. Titilayo Shotunbo of the Curricular Services Department commended all stakeholders for the success of the program.
She especially appreciated Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his commitment to the intellectual development of students and thanked the Commissioner, Mr. Jamiu Alli-Balogun, for the initiative.
She also acknowledged the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite, for her leadership, as well as the management of the Education Resource Centre for hosting the event.
Addressing the students, she said, “We hope these textbooks ignite a passion for reading and learning in you.”
In an interview with Hotjist, students expressed their gratitude to the state government for the initiative, noting that it will enhance their learning and reduce the financial burden of purchasing textbooks on their parents.
The distribution exercise marks the beginning of a structured rollout plan that will reach schools across the six education districts, as Lagos intensifies efforts to enhance the quality of education and support classroom effectiveness.
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