• Equip inclusive school with assistive technology tools
• Train teachers in AI, sign language, and inclusive teaching strategies
• Launch Young Leaders Club to promote empathy-driven student leadership
In a bold stride toward inclusive education and digital equity, Fellows of the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy have launched the EmpowerAbility Hub at Ikeja Senior High School, one of Lagos State’s inclusive secondary schools. This milestone project aligns with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES+ development agenda—particularly the focus on education, technology, and inclusion.
The EmpowerAbility Hub, a capstone initiative by the Academy’s Team Empower Group, aims to create a digitally equipped and accessible learning environment that allows students of all physical abilities to thrive.
During the launch and formal presentation of learning tools to the school, Team Lead Teniola Hassan described the hub as a transformative space that goes beyond infrastructure. “We created this hub to ensure a digitally accessible learning environment where every student, regardless of ability, can excel,” she said.
Hassan explained that in addition to the donation of equipment—including laptops, projectors, and interactive whiteboards—the team also conducted a two-day training workshop for teachers. The sessions introduced inclusive education strategies, speech-to-text applications, hearing loops, and the concept of Deaf Architecture that promotes visibility and clear sightlines in classrooms.
“The second day of training focused on AI-powered tools and adaptive learning platforms tailored to diverse needs. With additional funding, we hope to expand this impact to more schools,” Hassan added.
Executive Secretary of the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy, Ayisat Agbaje-Okunade, praised the fellows’ initiative, saying, “You have created a vibrant, inclusive digital learning environment. This is a true demonstration of leadership in action.” She also announced the launch of the EmpowerAbility Young Leaders Club, designed to nurture compassionate student leaders equipped to champion inclusion in their communities.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbedegesin, applauded the project, affirming its alignment with the inclusive spirit of the THEMES+ Agenda. “There is ability in every disability. This initiative ensures no one is left behind in Lagos State,” he said.
The Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), represented by Director of Admin and HR, Mrs. Omolade Shonubi, also commended the project. “We are delighted LASODA was remembered. This shows the THEMES+ agenda is not just a policy on paper—it’s being implemented meaningfully,” she said.
Both the EmpowerAbility Hub and the Young Leaders Club reinforce Lagos State’s commitment to equitable, inclusive education in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The initiative has drawn commendation from stakeholders in education, governance, and disability advocacy, and underscores the power of public-private collaboration in shaping a future where no student is left behind.