LAGOS DEPUTY GOVERNOR ADVOCATES REDESIGN OF SECONDARY EDUCATION CURRICULUM
Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat has stated that for Nigeria to prepare leaders who can navigate the future, the government must redesign the curriculum, the environment, and the expectations of secondary education.
He said this on Saturday at the 80th Anniversary of Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo, with the theme: “Inspiring the Future” held at the School hall. He added that Nigerians need to rethink, reimagine, and reinvest in basic education.
His words, “To prepare leaders who can navigate this future, we must redesign the curriculum, the environment, and the expectations of secondary education. We must rethink, reimagine and reinvest”.
He added that secondary education is not merely a transitional phase in the educational journey but rather the training ground of leadership, which is a vital stage where minds are moulded, characters are sculpted, and visions are birthed.
Hamzat, therefore, urged private sectors, development partners, civil society organisations, alumni bodies, and community leaders to align with the vision for a truly future-focused secondary education system, adding that education must become the new national security in the country and classrooms must be the new chambers of leadership formation.
“Let us recommit ourselves, educators, parents, governments, private sector actors, and alumni to making our secondary schools the launch pads of Nigeria’s renaissance,” he said
The Deputy Governor noted that the impact of Secondary School Education in Building Future Leaders rests on a singular truth that no nation can rise above the quality of its education, and no generation can transcend the leadership limitations of its youth.
“As the bridge between childhood and adulthood, it is a phase where responsibilities are introduced, and the world begins to be seen not just as it is, but as it could be. It is where students learn not just academic content, but values, such as resilience, accountability, civic consciousness, and the discipline required to lead selflessly and courageously,” said the Deputy Governor.
While stressing the complexity of leadership, which now requires more than authority, Dr. Hamzat said it demands empathy, foresight, technological fluency, and moral courage. He highlighted that in the modern world, children are dramatically different from the ones the past generation inherited.
He stated that with the advent of Artificial intelligence, climate change, financial disruptions, political polarization, and social inequality are just some of the forces reshaping the global landscape.
Besides, Hamzat noted that in Lagos State, the government understands that education is the most powerful equalizer and the most sustainable tool for economic mobility, adding that the present administration’s T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda places education and technology at the centre of sustainable development, and the government investments in secondary school education are deliberate, strategic, and transformative.
According to him, “These efforts are not just about academics – they are about nurturing holistic leaders who can solve problems, communicate effectively, build consensus, and act with moral clarity.”
He elucidated that Universities and think tanks can provide curriculum support and strategic research to elevate the secondary education system and to prepare students for future challenges, leadership development, ethics, and public speaking should be integrated into every secondary school curriculum.
Hamzat stated that for eight decades, Olivet has remained a beacon of excellence, producing generations of leaders, innovators, public servants, and change agents who have contributed immensely to the development of Nigeria and the world at large.
In his address, the National President of Olivet Old Students Association (NOSA), Dr. Wale Okediran, noted that over the years, Olivet Baptist High School had made tremendous efforts to balance a curriculum that nurtures the whole- person and the development of each student.
The President said that the school’s outstanding achievements in academics, sports, and leadership training fully demonstrate the success of this holistic approach to education.
Dr. Okediran stressed that through 80 years of development and provision of facilities, great changes have taken place in the school. “Apart from setting the pace in many aspects of educational pursuit in Nigeria, our school has produced many outstanding old students of whom we are proud.
“The number of students has largely increased while cadres of a younger generation of well-trained teachers have been replacing the older ones and taking leadership positions in the school. This has injected new vitality in and given new challenges, as well, to the growth of the school,” said Dr. Okediran.
He added that Olivet has evolved from being solely dependent on government support to one that has enjoyed tremendous support from its old students.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman, Central Planning Committee, 80th Olivet Anniversary, Dr. Olusegun K. Ahmadu, stated that the philosophy behind the anniversary celebration is deeply rooted in the idea of transformation, adding that it is a time to honour Olivet’s legacy, reconnect with one another, and give back-ensuring the torch burns brighter for generations to come.
According to Ahmadu, “Olivet is more than a school; it is a crucible of excellence and a symbol of societal impact. Through the years, its products have made indelible marks across diverse spheres, standing as a testament to its enduring relevance. This reunion is not only a moment to felicitate and reflect on our shared history but a clarion call to contribute actively to Olivet’s continued growth.”
Also Speaking, Aseyi of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu Olawale Oyebola Adeyeri III (Ajirotutu I) praised Olivet Baptist School for producing outstanding leaders and professionals across various fields.
Oba Oyebola cautioned students against using hard drugs, emphasising the danger they pose to their health and academic performance. “Avoid hard drugs, as they are detrimental to your well-being and academic success,” he advised.
Additionally, he urged parents to regularly monitor their children’s activities, rather than leaving them unsupervised.
The highlight of the event includes the presentation of awards to Olivet Old Students who have impacted society positively in their various capacities.
Gbenga Omotoso
Dr. Obafemi Hamzat
Babajide Sanwo-Olu