June 25 every years is special in Lagos. It is the birthday of an illustrious son, Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.
Since his election as the 15th Governor of Lagos State on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2019, Governor Sanwo-Olu has been a transformative force, particularly through the implementation of the EKOEXCEL, a basic education reform programme that is revolutionising basic education in Lagos. This reform has not only revolutionised public primary education in Lagos but has also garnered national and international acclaim, serving as a model for other Nigerian states.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, a product of the University of Lagos with further education from prestigious institutions such as Harvard Kennedy School and London Business School, brought his private sector expertise into public service with a clear vision for educational reform. His commitment to improving education was a central promise of his campaign and has been actualized through the EKOEXCEL program, launched under his THEMES agenda in 2019.
EKOEXCEL, standing for “Excellence in Child Education and Learning,” was designed to address the learning crisis in Lagos public primary schools. The program aimed to uplift pupils from low-income families to performance levels comparable to their peers in upper-middle-income countries. In just five years, EKOEXCEL has dramatically reduced learning poverty, transforming the educational landscape of Lagos State.
The impact of EKOEXCEL has garnered national and international attention. Delegations from various Nigerian states, including a recent visit from Zamfara, have come to Lagos to study the program. The commendations extend beyond Nigeria, as EKOEXCEL was recently featured at the 2024 Education World Forum, where Lagos State was represented by Hon. Jamiu Ali-Balogun, the Commissioner for Education. This global platform highlighted the program’s success and positioned it as a model for educational reform across Africa.
EKOEXCEL’s contribution to the THEMES Plus agenda, an extension of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s original THEMES agenda, has been particularly noteworthy. The THEMES Plus agenda intensifies focus on social inclusion, gender equality, and youth development. EKOEXCEL has been instrumental in fostering gender parity within Lagos State public primary schools. The program has seen an increase in the number of female pupils, with girls often outperforming their male counterparts in high-stakes examinations like the NCEE. This success is a testament to EKOEXCEL’s gender-responsive teaching techniques, which ensure that girls are active participants in the classroom.
Beyond academics, EKOEXCEL encourages girls to engage in co-curricular activities and sports, challenging traditional gender roles and promoting a holistic approach to education. The program’s emphasis on leadership roles for girls fosters qualities that will benefit them in their future endeavours. Additionally, EKOEXCEL’s gender-focused monitoring system tracks girls’ attendance and academic performance, ensuring they receive the necessary support to succeed and remain in the education system.
At the 2024 Children’s Day Celebration, Governor Sanwo-Olu reiterated his commitment to providing children in Lagos with the skills and opportunities needed to achieve their dreams. Speaking at the event themed “Advocate for Children: Advocate for Policies and Actions that Protect and Support Children’s Well-Being,” the Governor highlighted the achievements of his administration in enrolling 12,000 out-of-school pupils in Lagos State public primary schools under the EKOEXCEL initiative. These children, from struggling families, are now receiving education of international standards, opening doors to brighter futures.
“Our work is ongoing, and we are committed to giving you the tools and knowledge you need to succeed,” Governor Sanwo-Olu stated. He also acknowledged the private sector’s role in supporting education, donating classrooms and other resources to schools in the state.
The Governor’s remarks underscored the transformative power of EKOEXCEL in improving educational outcomes and ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, has access to quality education. This commitment to inclusivity and excellence has made Lagos a model for other states, demonstrating that with visionary leadership and innovative programs, the future of education in Nigeria is bright. As we celebrate Governor Sanwo-Olu’s birthday, we honour his dedication to transforming the educational landscape in Lagos and setting a standard for others to follow.
This article appeared originally on Vanguard, 6 July , 2024
