Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Tolani Alli-Balogun, voiced alarm over declining student performance in exams like WASSCE.
He urged principals during district meetings to innovate strategies reversing academic setbacks despite state investments in education.
However, outcomes remain stagnant, failing to reflect government efforts, he noted, stressing the need for urgent reforms.
“Resource allocation demands visible results,” he asserted, criticizing mass promotions that undermine accountability and dilute academic standards.
Proposing exclusive promotion for high achievers, he aims to end mass promotions, calling the practice counterproductive to academic rigor.
This policy will prioritize merit, motivating students to excel while fostering competitive learning environments across Lagos schools, he clarified.
Simultaneously, Alli-Balogun emphasized revitalizing extracurricular programs to nurture creativity, physical health, and leadership skills among pupils.
Schools must reintroduce hands-on experiments, collaborative projects, and interactive lessons to engage learners actively, he directed.
Furthermore, sports and physical education will regain prominence to build teamwork, discipline, and mental resilience in students.
Arts, music, and drama programs will also expand, providing platforms for self-expression and emotional development, the Commissioner added.
He urged schools to empower students through leadership roles in clubs, councils, and community projects aligning with their passions.
“Holistic growth transcends textbooks,” he remarked, linking such initiatives to long-term personal and professional success for youths.
Responding to concerns, Alli-Balogun reiterated Lagos’ commitment to measurable educational progress, tying funding to improved outcomes and institutional accountability. Regular audits will ensure compliance, he stated, promising support for teachers through training and resource upgrades.
Parents and stakeholders welcomed the proposals but called for inclusive policies preventing marginalized students from falling behind. Advocacy groups stressed balancing merit-based promotion with remedial support for struggling learners to ensure equity.
Educators, meanwhile, pledged collaboration, acknowledging the need to adapt teaching methods to modern challenges and student needs. “Innovation is non-negotiable,” a principal affirmed, citing plans to integrate technology and real-world applications into curricula.
Public reaction remains mixed, with some praising the merit system while others fear increased pressure on students. Alli-Balogun reassured critics, emphasizing that holistic evaluation will balance academic and non-academic achievements in promotions.
The Commissioner concluded by linking educational reforms to Lagos’ broader economic goals, asserting that skilled, well-rounded graduates will drive future development. “Our children must thrive globally,” he declared, urging collective action to elevate standards.
As implementation begins, monitoring teams will track progress, with quarterly reviews to adjust strategies ensuring targets are met. Community forums will also gather feedback, fostering transparency and adaptability in the reform process.
Ultimately, these measures aim to transform Lagos schools into hubs of excellence, equipping students with knowledge, resilience, and creativity to tackle 21st-century challenges. The state’s resolve, Alli-Balogun affirmed, remains unwavering in securing a brighter academic future for all.
