The Lagos State government has commenced a comprehensive assessment of infrastructure across public primary schools in a bid to improve the quality of basic education across the state.
The initiative aims to identify gaps, prioritise renovations, and ensure that learning environments are safe, conducive, and adequately equipped to support pupils and teachers alike.
Abe Adunola, the deputy director in charge of information at the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB), in a statement on Friday, explained that the state commenced the maiden NEEDS Assessment Project for all public primary schools across the state.
Adunola emphasised that the initiative, spearheaded by the board, was unveiled on Thursday during a stakeholders’ engagement session.
The NEEDS Assessment Project is an evidence-gathering exercise designed to identify gaps in infrastructure, teaching capacity, and learning resources in public schools.
It provides the government with data to plan targeted interventions and allocate resources more effectively.
The board further explained that the project will cover 1,238 public primary schools, vocational centres, inclusive units, and Local Government Education Authorities.
Owolabi Falana, a board member at LASUBEB, disclosed that the exercise was a major step in strengthening the foundation of basic education in Lagos.
Sam Egube, the Lagos State deputy chief of staff, represented by Olusegun Sanwo-Olu, the executive assistant to the governor on project implementation and monitoring, emphasised that the initiative reflected the state government’s resolve to drive education reform with data-driven interventions.
“This project is about clarity and intentionality. By understanding the realities in our schools, we are laying a solid foundation for smart planning, equitable resource allocation, and sustainable reforms.
“It is a bold step that will ultimately improve the quality of teaching, enhance learning outcomes, and prepare Lagos children to thrive in this fast-changing world,” he said.
Hakeem Shittu, the LASUBEB chairman, said the initiative is the first in a series of continuous exercises aimed at transforming Lagos public schools.
“This maiden edition of the Needs Assessment Project is only the beginning. It will be sustained as a continuous initiative to ensure our schools, teachers, and learners are never left behind,” he said.
Shittu explained that the assessment would lead to safer classrooms, improved facilities, empowered teachers, and better learning outcomes for pupils.
“The future of Lagos depends on how much we invest in our children today. This initiative gives us the clarity and direction to act decisively,” he said.
Besides, he reiterated that the project was not only about identifying gaps but also about developing practical solutions that would create conducive learning environments, improve teachers’ working conditions, and strengthen administrative capacity across schools.
He encouraged teachers, parents, and community leaders to support the exercise.
“The success of this project depends on our collective effort. Together, we can build a school system that empowers our children with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to compete globally,” he said.
NEEDS assessment is a structured process to identify the “gaps” or differences between a current state and a desired future state, helping to determine what is lacking, missing, or could be improved within an individual, organisation, community, or project.
This analysis provides the foundation for developing effective plans, allocating resources, making informed decisions, and prioritising actions to close those identified gaps and achieve specific goals.
