(By Moshood Adebayo – LAGOS)
In view of recent kidnappings incidents in educational institutions in the state and neighbouring Ogun State, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, on Thursday, ordered security outfits in the state to beef up security around primary and secondary schools.
He spoke during the foundation laying ceremony of the New Model School Building at Awori College, Ojo Local Government Area of the state.
Represented by his deputy, Mrs. Oluranti Adebule, the governor also reiterated his commitment to the safety of the people of the state and would not leave any stone unturned in this regard.
The state recorded two major kidapping incidents at the Lagos Model School, Epe during which 4 students, vice principal and teachers were kidnapped last October.
This came barely six months after suspected kidnappers also stormed Babington Macaulay Junior School, Ikorodu and abducted its students.
His words:”Apart from its aesthetic value, the new structure when completed is capable of enhancing security of students, staff and school materials in the face of the recent security reaches in our schools”
While assuring parents that his administration will continue to do its best to ensure that schools in the state are safe from intruders, Ambode also disclosed that he had put in place measures to secure pupils, students, teaching and non-teaching staff
In this regard, he also disclosed that the state had awarded contracts for the construction of perimeter fence in various schools to enhance security of life and property.
He also diwclosed that his administration had awarded contract for the construction of eight new blocks of classrooms, renovation of 174 existing blocks of classrooms as well as ommenced the supply of over 40,000 students’ furniture on a quarterly basis to clear the identified shortfall of 160,000.
While expressing delight at the performance of the state in last West African Examination Council, the governor assured of his adminstration’s support for public schools in the state.
” I wish to addure all our students that our commitment is to build formyou a future ofmgreat opportunities, possibildities and prosperity through the provision of qualitative education that is consistent with the demands of the 21st century”
” I have no doubt that given the sustained efforts on our part to improve the quality of teaching and learning, we will record even better performances from our students”.
The new school, on completion will comprise 36 classrooms, library, staff rooms, multipurpose hall, laboratories, principal/vice principal’e offices and modern toilet facilities for both juniorand senior schools.