Sanwo-Olu’s Legacy in Education: Will Infrastructure Be His Defining Impact?

In Lagos, Nigeria’s economic capital, education often stands at the intersection of high ambition and harsh reality. From overcrowded classrooms in Mushin to under-equipped schools in Badagry, the challenges are glaring. However, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu seems determined to rewrite the story — with bricks, mortar, and bold partnerships.

His recent visit to the state-of-the-art Charterhouse Lagos — a private institution known for its cutting-edge learning environment — was more than ceremonial. It was strategic. Standing in the gleaming hallways of the school, Sanwo-Olu praised the learner-centred design and urged the private sector to play a bigger role in fixing Lagos’ longstanding infrastructure deficit in public schools.

“As a government, we commend this level of private sector investment. We must work together to build a strong educational ecosystem,” the governor said.

The message was clear to many observers: Lagos can no longer rely solely on public funding to rescue its struggling education system.

According to the Lagos State Ministry of Education, Lagos is home to over 1,700 public primary schools and more than 300 public secondary schools. While some have benefited from renovations and interventions, many still suffer from dilapidated buildings, a lack of furniture, and poor sanitation.

In places like Agege and Ajegunle, pupils still learn in makeshift classrooms with leaking roofs. In contrast, Charterhouse Lagos, where Sanwo-Olu made his latest call, boasts world-class facilities and a curriculum built for global competitiveness.

This sharp contrast raises questions: Can partnerships between government and elite private schools create meaningful change for the average Lagos pupil? Or will it widen the gap between the rich and the poor?

Since assuming office in 2019, Sanwo-Olu has launched several initiatives to revamp the education sector. His administration introduced EKOEXCEL, a tech-driven platform that improved learning outcomes in public primary schools. He recently commissioned new school buildings and classrooms across local government areas.

According to the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, over 1,400 classrooms have been renovated or newly built under the current administration.

“His Excellency has shown commitment to creating a better learning environment,” Alli-Balogun told Sunday Punch. “The results may not be instant, but the foundation is being laid.”

Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, an education policy analyst at the University of Lagos, emphasised that infrastructure is vital but must be accompanied by teacher training and curriculum reform.

“You can build the most beautiful classrooms, but if the teaching quality remains poor, learning will not improve,” she said. “Sanwo-Olu is making progress, but the legacy will depend on consistency and sustainability.”

Charterhouse’s Director of Education, John Todd, agrees. “Education is a shared responsibility,” he said during the governor’s visit. “We must all contribute — public or private — to transform the future.”

As his tenure progresses, the question remains: Will Governor Sanwo-Olu be remembered as the leader who laid a solid foundation for quality education in Lagos, or just another with lofty promises?

Time will tell.