By Ebunoluwa Sessou

The Lagos State Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary, Education District I, Dr. Olufunke Idowu Oyetola, has called for stronger partnerships between government and stakeholders in the education sector to create a more conducive learning environment across public schools.

Oyetola, represented by the Director of School Administration, Mrs. Maria Ojo, made the appeal on Tuesday during the commissioning and handover of newly renovated facilities by the Stadium Grammar School Old Students Association in Lagos.

She commended the alumni for complementing government’s efforts, noting that their intervention—which includes dual seats, a refurbished laboratory, and fully equipped ICT rooms—would greatly enhance teaching and learning in the school.

“I appreciate the Alumni of Stadium Grammar School for coming together to support Mr. Governor by supplying dual seats in good numbers, a laboratory and ICT rooms well-equipped for students to engage in diverse learning activities,” she said.

Speaking on the need for sustainability, Oyetola emphasized the district’s strict maintenance policy.
“In our schools, we have a policy that if you spoil it, you replace it. I am confident these students are well-cultured and will maintain the facilities so that others coming after them can also benefit.”

She noted the alumni’s concern over the conversion of the formerly senior school into a junior school due to population pressure, adding that the government may reconsider the status in the future given the alumni’s continued commitment to improving learning conditions.

National Coordinator of the alumni association, Mr. Olowe Oluwatayo, stressed that community development should not be left solely to the government. He recalled that when the association revisited the school in 2017, the state of infrastructure was far worse than what they experienced as students.

“When we got here in 2017, what we met on ground was not what we enjoyed in our time. We felt the need to put resources together to support the government in achieving its goals in the education sector,” he said.

Olowe noted that partnerships formed through the alumni—both at home and in the diaspora—contributed significantly to the project.
“With over a hundred schools in District I, government alone cannot meet all needs. That is why we stepped in. To the glory of God, we have fixed roofs, railings, classrooms, toilets, the ICT centre, provided water, and overhauled the hall facilities.”

He added that community development requires collective input from all stakeholders.
“It is not only government that is inside the community. We have teachers, students, principals, alumni members—everyone must come together. Nobody from outside will develop our community for us,” he said.

Olowe emphasized the need to reinstate the institution as a senior secondary school to sustain alumni engagement.
“The sustainability of the alumni is key. If students leave at JSS3, they may not remember the school. We want them to reach SS3 so they can join us and learn about community service. Humanitarian work is very important to us.”

Former principal, Mrs. Arinola Salako, praised the alumni for their continuous support and urged students to use the facilities responsibly so future generations can also enjoy them.

Public Relations Officer of the association, Comrade Bisola Adeagbo, who graduated in 2005, shared her experiences as a student and expressed joy over the transformation. She encouraged the students to value the gesture and cultivate the culture of giving back to their alma mater.

The event underscored the growing recognition that collaboration between government, alumni, and community members remains essential for building stronger and more resilient educational institutions in Lagos State.