By Amaka Abayomi

JOHN Adams once said: “Before great things are accomplished, a memorable change must be made in the system of education to raise the lower ranks of society nearer to the higher.”

Toeing this line and in its commitment to building a future of great opportunities and prosperity through the provision of qualitative education that is consistent with the demands of the 21st century for youngsters in Lagos, the state governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, has laid the foundation of an ultra-modern model school building.

Sited on a 16172.053 square meters land mass at Angus Memorial High School, Shomolu, the college would comprise 36 classrooms, 12 laboratories, library, staff rooms, multipurpose hall, football pitch, long tennis and basketball courts, Principal/Vice Principal’s offices and modern toilet facilities.

Acknowledging that investment in knowledge pays the best dividends, Ambode said apart from its aesthetic value, the new structure will enhance the security of students, staff and schools materials in the face of the recent security breaches in schools.

He said “This is a further testament of our commitment to the reformation and strengthening of the public school system in Lagos State, which is to ensure that our students are given the best in terms of quality teaching andlearning environment. This new model in our public secondary schools will compete favourably with high schools structures in leading countries of the world. I therefore enjoin the students to embrace this opportunity by showing serious commitment to their studies and shunning all negative values.

“Conscious efforts through policies and programmes that place high premium on education as a vehicle for continued and future prosperity of our state are being made, and the results are becoming manifest in the improved performance of our students in the last West African School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).”

Also, the deputy governor, who also oversees the state’s education ministry, Mrs. Idiat Adebule, said the success of the policies and programmes is measured by the improved students’ performance outcomes in the results of examinations, national and international competitions, improved morals, etiquette, and confidence in public speaking.

She said “Within a year of our administration, 13.14% increase was recorded in the number of students who passed WASSCE with at least 5 credits including English and Mathematics. Lagos State emerged as overall best State at the 2016 Robotics Competition held at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos and will represent Nigeria at the World Robot Olympiad in New Delhi, India.”