Lagos State government has stated that it would be extending support to post-primary schools established by the military authorities in the state.
The support would centre around upgrade of staff strength, including qualified teachers as well as training and provision of teaching materials. There a number of such military schools in Lagos, including those established by the army, navy and air force. The aim, according to the government, is to expand access to education by the residents of Lagos.
The state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu stated this when he received the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Olu Irefin, a (major general), at the State House in Marina on Wednesday.
Sanwo-Olu said supporting the military schools would address observed deficits in their staff strength. He said that the state ministry of education would be meeting with the authorities of the Nigerian Army to agree on modalities of this partnership.
“Our administration is prepared to provide quality education to all pupils in public schools. The commissioner for education will be meeting the army’s education department for collaboration on recruitment of teachers and provision of teaching equipment.
Our education policies and programmes will not be exclusive only to pupils in public schools. Those attending schools established by the military and private investors within the state will also feel the impact of our government because we believe all of them are our citizens,” said Sanwo-Olu.
He praised the army for their cooperation with the state government in the coordination of joint security operations codenamed ‘OP Mesa’, and assured of his administration’s commitment to further strengthen the outfit for improved performance.
The army general, Irefin, who took over the leadership of the 81 Division on July 22, said his visit to the governor was to seek support for schools owned by the army and also to show appreciation to the state government on its “constant” logistic assistance to military formations in Lagos.
On the task of OP Mesa, Irefin said the army would maintain constant assessment of its operations in the state to ensure that the personnel deployed for the engagement acted in line with rules and best practices.
JOSHUA BASSEY
