Kunle Adelabu
In a bold and visionary move to revive the psychomotor domain of education and promote skill acquisition from an early age, the Education Secretary of Local Government Education Authority (LGEA) Ikorodu, Alhaji Taiwo Abiodun Odumbo has established additional 10 vocational centres across Ikorodu Division to address unequalled situation and give pupils in various councils access.
At the assumption of office by the Education Secretary about three months ago, there were 12 centres.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Special Adviser to the ES on Publicity and Media, the efforts are aimed at ensuring balance in availability of the centres and access to them.
“This strategic expansion is aimed at correcting longstanding disparities in access to vocational training for public primary school pupils.
“The Education Secretary, known for his passionate advocacy for Psychomotor domain of education revival and proactive leadership, has made it a priority to bring vocational education closer to pupils.
“His belief in the transformative power of early exposure to practical skills has led to the creation of centres that cater to Art & Craft, Home Economics, and Computer Literacy, administered by the Local Government Education Authority (LGEA), Ikorodu.
“Prior to his assumption of office, vocational infrastructure across the division was unevenly distributed. Ikorodu Central boasted all categories of centres, while Ikorodu North LCDA had none, forcing pupils and teachers to travel long distances to access training.
“Other LCDAs such as Imota, Ijede, Ikorodu West, and Igbogbo/Baiyeku also lacked one or more centre types, creating logistical and educational barriers,” the statement said.
According to the statement, the ES in addressing the situation, has within weeks established: “4 Art & Craft Centres: 2 in Ikorodu North, 1 in Imota, 1 in Ikorodu West: 3 Home Economics Centres: 1 each in Ikorodu North, Ikorodu West, and Igbogbo/Baiyeku and 3 Computer Centres: 1 each in Ikorodu North, Ijede, and Ikorodu Central.
The Education Secretary said the establishment came into being with the cooperation of the six council chairmen.
“These additions ensure that every locality now has improved access to skill-based education, reducing travel time and enhancing participation.
“This expansion was made possible through strategic discussions with the Chairmen of the Local Councils, reflecting a shared commitment to educational equity and empowerment.
“The Impact of this, especially on Upper Primary pupils taken to these centres as part of their curriculum, allowing them to develop practical competencies alongside academic learning cannot be overemphasised. Teachers too will equally benefit from reduced logistical strain and increased engagement with pupils in hands-on environments.
“The Education Secretary’s initiative marks a turning point in the division’s educational landscape. By prioritizing psychomotor development and ensuring no child is left behind due to geography, Ikorodu Division is setting a benchmark for inclusive and skill-oriented education.”
