Dilapidated classrooms, broken furniture and poor sanitation continue to hinder learning outcomes in public schools, according to the World Bank 2025 HOPE Edu report.
Vcare for Development Foundation (VCDF), in partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, has intervened to improve infrastructure and learning conditions at Obele School.
The intervention aligns with the Lagos State Government’s THEMES agenda, aimed at strengthening inclusive and sustainable education systems across the state.
VCDF formally handed over renovated facilities and educational supplies at Obele Community Senior and Junior Schools in Surulere during a ceremony on March 25.
Dignitaries included the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun and the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite.
Also present were the Surulere Local Government Chairman, Mr Sulaimon Bamidele Yusuf, and Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary, Education District IV, Mr Olusegun Osinaike.
Others were Mrs Florence Bolodeoku, Chairman, Surulere ANCOPSS, alongside school administrators and community leaders.
Speaking at the event, Alli-Balogun,
commended VCDF for complementing government efforts in delivering quality education infrastructure.
He said the project reflects effective public-private collaboration and supports the state’s vision of safe, inclusive and conducive learning environments.
The Permanent Secretary, Mrs Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite, urged the staff and students to ensure that the facilities provided were used with care.
The National Programme Manager, VCDF, Mr James Olabi Odey, described the renovation as a milestone in improving access to quality education.
Odey said the initiative has impacted over 28,107 lives across Akwa Ibom, Delta and Lagos States through the Model School Initiative.
He appreciated the Lagos State Government for its collaboration and acknowledged SEEPCO for funding the project through its corporate social responsibility.
At Obele Senior School, 14 classrooms, 13 offices and three science laboratories were renovated, alongside roof replacement for a classroom block.
Facilities provided include 150 laboratory stools, 100 student desks, 20 ceiling fans, 13 whiteboards and three graph boards.
A new five-toilet block, renovated walkways and a connecting walkway were also constructed to enhance hygiene and accessibility.
At the Junior School, eight classrooms and 10 offices were renovated, with desks, teachers’ furniture and library fittings provided
.
Additional installations include ceiling fans, a visitors’ chair and an overhead water tank to improve comfort and water access.
A representative of the community leadership commended the intervention, noting it would significantly improve teaching, learning and student welfare.
The Model School Initiative supports Sustainable Development Goal 4 on inclusive and equitable quality education.
VCDF reaffirmed its commitment to expanding the initiative through partnerships to drive sustainable development across Nigeria.
The VCDF team at the event included Mimansa Shukla, Team Lead, and Sangeeta Ghosh, Education Manager.
