President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has inaugurated what is described as Africa’s largest integrated schools complex in Lagos, alongside 19 mini-football pitches in Ajegunle, marking a major milestone in the state’s education and youth development drive.
The projects, delivered by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, were unveiled during the president’s second day visit to his home state. The commissioning was performed on his behalf by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The newly regenerated Tolu Schools Complex, located in Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area, comprises a cluster of 36 public schools spread across 11.73 hectares. The facility underwent a comprehensive upgrade under an infrastructure renewal programme supervised by the Special Committee on Rehabilitation of Public Schools (SCRPS).
Speaking at the event, Tinubu described the scale of the transformation as “exceptional and remarkable,” noting that it reflects deliberate planning and commitment to improving education and human capital development.
He emphasised that sustained investment in education remains critical to economic growth and national development, adding that equipping young people with knowledge and skills would position them to compete globally.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said the project represents a complete re-imagination of public education in a modern African city, transforming the historic complex into what he called the largest educational community in West Africa.
According to him, the redevelopment included 12 new classroom blocks with 18 classrooms each, rehabilitation of 24 existing buildings, and the construction of a four-storey vocational and skills acquisition centre. The complex also features central science laboratories and an ICT hub capable of accommodating up to 200 students at a time.
The governor noted that the intervention addressed longstanding challenges of overcrowding, where classrooms originally designed for 35 students previously held over 100 pupils.
Also inaugurated was the Maracana Stadium in Ajegunle, now renamed after Tinubu. The facility features 19 mini-football pitches aimed at promoting grassroots sports development.
In addition, the president virtually commissioned a 23,000-square-metre Mid-Level Fresh Food Hub in Abijo, located in the Eti-Osa axis of Lagos. The facility is designed to improve food distribution, enhance storage, and bring affordable fresh produce closer to residents.
Sanwo-Olu said the food hub forms a critical part of the state’s food security strategy, helping to streamline logistics and decentralise access to agricultural produce.
Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, described the schools complex as a landmark achievement and a strong statement of Nigeria’s commitment to investing in the future of its children.
The event drew widespread excitement from pupils and stakeholders, with students from the 36 schools welcoming dignitaries in colourful displays.