Slum2School Africa has commissioned the first phase of its Lagos Model Primary School Project in Makoko, Lagos, following the renovation and upgrading of facilities serving three public primary schools in the waterfront community.
The first phase, unveiled at Aiyetoro African Primary School, includes improvements to classrooms, sanitation facilities, recreational areas and technology infrastructure as part of efforts to create a more conducive learning environment for children in the community.
Adekunle Anglican Primary School and Makoko Anglican Primary School, which are located within the same compound, are also beneficiaries of the wider intervention.
The initiative is being implemented through a public-school adoption programme in partnership with the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB) and the Lagos State Ministry of Education.
According to Slum2School Africa, the project is designed to demonstrate how existing government-owned schools can be transformed through targeted investments in infrastructure, technology, learning resources, child wellbeing and community participation.
The first phase was implemented with support from partners including LASUBEB, the Royal Norwegian Embassy, Ipsos Foundation, HP, Tritton, ESPN, the Lagos State Ministry of Education, Red Hot Concepts and Love.fútbol.
Among the facilities provided or upgraded are Early Childhood Education classrooms, primary classrooms, a library, digital computer room, STEM and Innovation Lab, sanitation and WASH facilities, a sick bay, music room and an Enterprise Development Centre/Home Economics room.
The school environment also received recreational facilities, including a football pitch and multipurpose courts for basketball, volleyball and lawn tennis, alongside improved play areas and interlocked outdoor spaces.
Slum2School said 10 existing nursery and primary classrooms at Aiyetoro African Primary School were renovated and redesigned to provide more age-appropriate learning spaces, while another 12 primary classrooms were refurbished.
The intervention also included a solar-powered water borehole and renovated toilets aimed at improving access to water and sanitation for pupils and staff.
The commissioning ceremony attracted representatives of government, education institutions, development organisations and the Makoko community.
L
Those in attendance included the Norwegian Ambassador to Nigeria, Svein Baera; Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola; representatives of LASUBEB, the Lagos State Government and the Federal Ministry of Education.
Also present were the Chairman of Yaba Local Government, Dr. Bayo Adefuye; Lagos Mainland Education Secretary, Barrister Tajudeen Tijani; education stakeholders, community leaders, teachers, volunteers and families.
Speaking at the event, Ogunsola described the project as an example of the standard public schools should strive to attain.
“The Lagos Model School is demonstrating the basic minimum standard our public schools should aspire to,” she said.
She noted that replicating similar interventions could improve the quality of education available to children and strengthen the preparation of students progressing through the education system.
Beyond classroom renovation, the project places emphasis on early childhood education, digital literacy, science and technology, creative development, sports and children’s welfare.
Tijani said the transformation highlighted the impact of strong partnerships between government, communities and civil society organisations.
“The transformation of Aiyetoro African Church Primary School demonstrates what can be achieved when investment in public education is matched with strong partnerships and a clear understanding of what children need to learn and thrive,” he said.
Executive Director of Slum2School Africa, Orondaam Otto, said the project was designed to go beyond the physical renovation of school buildings.
“For us, the Lagos Model School Project is not simply about transforming buildings; it is about transforming what children can experience within a public school,” Otto said.
He added that the organisation aims to create public schools where parents, regardless of income level, can confidently enrol their children.
According to Otto, the Makoko project demonstrates what can be achieved when government, communities and development partners work together to improve education in underserved communities.
Slum2School said the initiative forms part of a broader plan to develop a model that can be adapted across other public schools in Lagos and beyond.
The organisation noted that the long-term success of the project would be measured not only by improved infrastructure but also by its impact on learning outcomes, digital skills, creativity, health and future opportunities for pupils.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.