Kunle Adelabu & Olatunji Ademola
The Education Secretary, Local Government Education Authority (LGEA), Ikorodu, under the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LSUBEB), Alhaji Taiwo Odumbo, has rolled out his achievements in the last one year of his appointment to oversee the primary and junior secondary school sub -sector of education in Ikorodu Division.
Alhaji Odumbo described his administration in the last one year as “365 Days of Inclusive Leadership, Visible Progress, and Renewed Hope in Education”, a statement attested to by stakeholders that gathered to celebrate the anniversary.
At the celebratory event which took place at the Methodist Primary School Hall, Ikorodu, the educational administrator who said that his administration is building on the solid foundation laid by his predecessors, also pledged to sustain the laudable attainments by working and collaborating with major stakeholders to improve and strengthen the educational system.
He unveiled impacts in the areas of infrastructural upgrade, staff training and professional development, academic and curricular performance, policy and administrative efficiency and staff and pupils’ welfarism.
“Today, we gather marking the passage of time, and to celebrate a journey of vision, of service, and of transformation. Exactly 365 days ago, I was entrusted with the sacred responsibility of steering the Ikorodu Local Government Education Authority as Education Secretary.
“In stepping into this office, I did not begin on a blank slate. I inherited the noble legacy of our founders and predecessors, men who laid the foundation stones of our educational system with courage and foresight. My task has been to build upon that heritage, to strengthen the pillars, and to raise new beams of progress that will stand the test of time,” he submitted.
The Ikorodu Divisional education secretary engaged the theme and audience of the anniversary further,
“From the very first day, our compass has been clear: to create a system where trust in leadership is not demanded but earned; where inclusiveness is not symbolic but substantive; where openness is not occasional but constant. We have sought to weave a fabric of belonging, where every staff member feels valued, every voice is heard, and every effort contributes to the collective destiny of education in Ikorodu Division.
“This first year has been a proof of what can be achieved when leadership is anchored in integrity, when staff are united in purpose, and when the community rallies behind a shared vision. And more importantly, through strategic collaboration and partnership with elected political office holders.”
41 schools were impacted in terms of infrastructural upgrade with either new classroom structures being built or existing ones renovated and upgraded.
“These renovated classrooms, modern teaching aids and facilities provided are to bridge the gap between traditional learning and the digital age. School environments rehabilitated are to ensure safety, accessibility, and dignity for pupils and staff alike. These efforts have transformed learning spaces into sanctuaries of knowledge and hope.”
Alhaji Odumbo also listed six major training and capacity building initiatives in the last one year to strengthen teachers’ professionalism.
“Frameworks for continuous professional development of teachers were established, recognising that the strength of any education system lies in its educators. Even distribution of training opportunities across schools, ensuring fairness and inclusiveness.”
The Education Secretary also listed academic and curricular performance of students and pupils across Ikorodu Division schools within the period under review:
“Adedayo Farouq and Ugwumade Ifechukwu of Community Primary School, Mowo-Nla Ikorodu LGEA represented Education District II at 2025 Governor’s Quiz Competition; Zumratul Islamiyyah Primary School, Odogunyan emerged winner of the 2025 Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN) Lagos Quiz and 15 outstanding Basic Six pupils benefitted from HRM Olori Kudirat Abosede Shotobi Scholarship Awards.
Also, “Onyekachi Blessing, a pupil of St. Saviour Anglican Primary School, Igbaga, Adamo, Ikorodu LGEA emerged 1st Runner-Up at Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) Essay Competition; Faruq Adekoya of Methodist Primary School, Elepe won Gold Medal in 400m race at the maiden United Athletics Series Competition.
Other remarkable winners of academic excellence recorded are “Samuel Kareem of Egbin Kingdom Nursery and Primary School, Egbin, Ijede who earned Gold in Chess at the maiden United Athletics Series Competition and 15 selected female teachers that participated at a One-Day Basketball Clinic by Giants of Africa (GOA).
Odumbo emphasised: “ Monitoring and evaluation systems were strengthened, allowing us to track progress and respond swiftly to challenges. Inter‑school competitions and academic workshops ignited the spirit of excellence among pupils. The result: improved learners’ reading abilities, a measurable improvement in standardised assessments, proving that our children are rising to the call of greatness.“
Within the year, Odumbo’s administration also focused on policy and administrative efficiency by reducing bottlenecks and enforcing accountability.
“Internal processes were streamlined, reducing bottlenecks and enhancing accountability. Communication channels between the LGE Authority and schools were fortified, ensuring clarity and responsiveness. Child‑friendly learning environments were prioritised, affirming our commitment to nurturing not just minds, but futures. Above all, inclusiveness in decision‑making has become the hallmark of our administration.”
In the area of staff and pupils’ welfarism, Odumbo said that:
“Best pupils across all 69 schools and selected staff were treated to first ever festive day outing to the cinema and shopping mall; and LGEA Partners Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to sensitise pupils on danger of Drug Abuse.
Also, “Strengthened school security through collaboration with LCDA chairmen, deploying personnel to schools; Distribution of ECCDE furniture and classroom sets to improve staff and pupil comfort and Rebirth of social event, and birthday celebration initiated to uplift morale and enhance productivity.
He stressed that there was “Improved classroom‑teacher coverage through recruitment, ensuring every school has adequate teaching staff. Weekly monitoring reports confirming improved discipline and instructional delivery. Above all, openness in staff relations has fostered trust, unity, and a renewed sense of belonging.”
Alhaji Odumbo acknowledged the strategic partnership and collaboration with the Distinguished Senator Mukhail Tokunbo Abiru, Senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Honourable Babajimi Adegoke Benson MHR, member representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, Honourable Ogunleye Gbolahan Adetokunbo, member representing Ikorodu Constituency I at Lagos State House of Assembly, Honourable Aro Moshood Abiodun AMA, member representing Ikorodu Constituency II at the Lagos State House of Assembly, the six council chairmen in Ikorodu Division, Royal fathers, Ikorodu Oga Development Association (IKODASS), Ikorodu Division Peace Initiative Limited (IDPIL), WaterAid Foundation, Nigeria Customs Service, The Nigerian Navy (NN) and community stakeholders, through which his administration addressed critical educational needs across the division.
Stakeholders at the celebratory press conference including Comrade Oluwafemi Fakolade, State NUT executive and former Chairman, NUT Ikorodu branch, Asiwaju Lateef Oduguwa, former Chairman, NUT Ikorodu, Comrade Temitope Dawodu, Chairman, NUT Ikorodu, Mr Mokolade Jenrade, Chairman, Parents’ Forum, Ikorodu Division, school administrators and journalists that spoke lauded the administration of Alhaji Taiwo Odumbo as the Education Secretary in the last one year.
