The Chairman of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB), Hon Wahab Alawiye-King has described the late Ex-Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande as a great educationist who built strong foundation for the growth of education in the state.
“He was different person to different people and groups. He was a great journalist, a political avatar, a great humanist and a quintessential leader. For me, he was one of the greatest educationist Nigeria has ever produced, his love for education knew no bound,” he said.
Alawiye-King’s reaction was contained in a statement he signed on Thursday, 11 February, 2021 on hearing the news of the death of the first elected Executive Governor of Lagos State.
The LASUBEB Chairman stated further that Alhaji Jakande built a very strong education structure in the state when he was Governor between October 1979 and December 1983.
“Through massive construction of schools, he abolished the shift system in Lagos education structure, introduced School Management Committees for each division to manage and supervise the schools.
“He also introduced medical unit for schools where sick pupils and students get immediate medical attention when there have any health issue.
“It was Alhaji Jakande who introduced the idea of buying brand new buses for all secondary schools in the state which also served as official cars of the school principals.
“He established the Lagos State University, Ojo while developing the Lagos State Polytechnic into multi-campus structure.
“He was also responsible for massive recruitment of teachers into the state education sector and till today, his education legacy remains the reference point for education growth not only in Lagos but also in Nigeria,” Alawiye-King said.
The LASUBEB Chairman condoled with the immediate family of the deceased, the state government, the state Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Progressives family and Nigerians at large.