By Bisi Ogunrinde
In 1999, Asiwaju Tinubu initiated and commenced the era of reform, rehabilitation, rebuilding of the education sector in the state with a view to making public schools, especially at the primary level, attractive to the populace;
2- Asiwaju Tinubu repositioned the education sector through the creation of enabling environment and the continuation of the teacher training programs as well as improved the welfare package for teachers in the state (My Achievements By Tinubu, The Vanguard, Tuesday July 13, 1999, Front Page);
3- Between 2006 -2007, Governor Tinubu activated the injection of massive funds to the tune of N1 billion for LASU;
4- Rehabilitation of primary and secondary schools in all Divisions of the state through the Schools Rehabilitation Program, massive construction of school furniture and equipping of laboratories;
5 - In 2000, Governor Tinubu activated the provision of free education in all public primary and secondary schools including payment of WAEC/NECO fees as well as all internal examination fees to ensure that indigent children do not drop out of school.
6- In July 20, 1999, Governor Bola Tinubu ordered that his monthly basic salary be paid to four rehabilitation centres until further notice. The beneficiaries of this charity are: Pacelli School 1 and 11 (Surulere), Modupe Cole Children Care and Treatment House (Yaba) and The Spinal Cord Injury Association of Nigeria (Ikeja) National Concord Tuesday 20, 1999 Pg. 3;
7- Provision of free qualitative education for all students in all owned primary and secondary schools irrespective of their state of origin;
8- Payment of NECO/WAEC Examination fees totaling 1.4 Billion was expanded on 572, 032 SSS III Students for eight consecutive years irrespective of their state of origin;
9- Rehabilitation of Secondary schools, the building of prototype classrooms and resuscitation of abandoned classrooms in projects in 38 schools;
10- Provision of 2000 new blocks of classrooms in primary schools;
11- Construction of 4 millennium secondary schools each with 39 classrooms, staffs room, library, laboratories, and 60 toilets as a new model for public schools;
12- Provision of 500,000 new desks and chairs for primary and secondary schools thus eliminating the need for children to carry their furniture to and from home as it were before 1999;
13- Provision of educational materials for the teaching of science subjects;
14- Paid N127 Million as bursary/scholarship awards to over 4,000 students in Tertiary Institutions;
15- Provision of additional 2,500 new classrooms to the school system through the Special Committee for the rehabilitation of public schools which rehabilitate 250 schools at a cost of N2.8 billion
16- Expenditure of N505 million on emergency repairs of falling roofs, damaged ceilings, collapsed fences and provision of drainages in 133 under the SAVE OUR SOULS project;
17- Construction of additional 1, 272 classrooms and provision of perimeter fencing, drainage channels, laboratory equipment and bore holes in 123 schools at a cost of N3.4 billion;
18- Six (6) Education Districts were created as part of the Post Primary Education Reforms
19 Six (6) Tutor Generals who were formerly School Principals were also appointed to manage the districts;
20- A total number of 48 Schools were returned to original owners: these include 26 to Moslem owners and 16 to individual owners;
21- Under the coalition of for the Restoration of Education Empowerment and Development (CREED), cheques worth N185 million were distributed to 263 Schools for maintenance of structures, 103 Senior Secondary Schools, 115 Junior Secondary Schools, 5 Technical Schools and 40 Primary Schools;
22- Between 1999-2007, Tinubu overhauled and sustained the payment of bursary awards to Lagos State Students in higher institutions including Law School;
23- Tinubu initiated the development of Computer education and provision of equipment to special schools;
24- Tinubu approved the construction of staff quarters and provision of motorized boats for primary school’s teachers in rural/riverine areas;
25- Tinubu Introduced free mid-day meals for primary schools (from June 2001);
26- Tinubu approved the upgrading of schools to Model College and return of Board of Governor);
27- Tinubu’s administration spent N14.37 million on the rehabilitation of toilets, quarters, hostels, administrative blocks, classrooms, workshops, prototype building of TESCOM and LED offices in some schools;
28- Tinubu’s administration , via Ministry of Education Re-focused and re-shaped the policy and curriculums of Lagos State Education System;
29- In conjunction with Unilever/Nestle/Cadbury, Tinubu’s administration, approved the provision of free nutritious milk to primary school pupils;
30- Tinubu articulated and Initiated free education program for the over 1.5 million children 900 primary and 597 secondary schools;
31- Well over N100 million was expended from 2004-2006 on Unified Internal Education introduced by Tinubu’s administration to improve the quality of teaching and learning in the state’s secondary schools;
32- The sum of N135 million was disbursed as annual subvention to five special schools for the handicapped Modupe Cole Children Care and Home, Atunda–Olu School for the physically handicapped, Wesley School 1 & 11 for the deaf and National orthopedic Special Schools);
33- The ministry of education provided furniture for students and teachers of four newly established public secondary schools at a cost of N29.8 million;
34- Sixteen (16) schools were provided with wall fence to ensure safety of students at a cost of N11.4 million;
35- N1 billion was expanded on the massive rehabilitation/reconstruction of over 60 public primary and secondary schools across the state (250 new classrooms already completed out of the 750 envisaged);
36- Tinubu’s administration ensured regular payment of teachers salary as opposed what was formerly obtainable;
37- Between May and December 1999, Ten Thousand (10,000) dual desks and benches were supplied to 100 schools in 20 Local Education Districts (LED) at a cost of N30 million.
[8/15, 10:36 PM] PAB Ward D: Tinubu 38-72
38- Tinubu’s administration contracted and engaged the services of Adebowale Furniture Company and Harmon Household Furniture at a cost of N25.2 million for the supply of additional 10,000 dual desks and benches;
39- Forty –One (41) secondary school buildings at the twenty (20) Local Government Areas were rehabilitated at a cost of N50.2 million in 2000;
40- For meaningful development to take place in the schools, Tinubu’s administration gave marching order to Ministry of Education to pick one hundred Secondary Schools, but to start with at least five schools per LED for total rehabilitation of existing structures and provision of education facilities in fiscal year 2000;
41- A total sum of 1. 5 million was expended for the Installation of JSS introductory technology facilities/equipment in 3 secondary schools namely: Ivory Grammar School, Ibeshe – Amuwo/Odofin LED, Sari-Iganmu Secondary School, Apapa – Apapa LED, keke High School, Ifako-Ijaiye LED)
42- A total sum of N750, 000 was expended on the supply of Ten (10) intro-technology workshop benches in five secondary schools, namely: Ivory Grammar School, Ibeshe – Amuwo/Odofin LED, Sari-Iganmu Secondary School, Apapa – Apapa LED, keke High School, Ifako-Ijaiye LED; Civil Service Model College, igbogbo – Ikorodu LED)
43- Ten Metal bench vices at a total cost of N400,000 were supplied to the following schools: African Church College, Ifako – Ifako/Ijaiye LED, Civil Service Model College, Igbogbo – Ikorodu LED;
44- A sum of N3, 822, 748 was spent on the conversion of intro-tech workshop at Ivory Grammar School, Ibeshe;
45- Seventeen (17) schools were provided with wall fences in the state in 1999. The total length was five thousand, two hundred and thirty-one metres (5231 metres) at a cost of N22,156 million;
46- Twenty –five (25) secondary schools within 20 LEDs were supplied with science equipment (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics) at a cost of N19.95 million;
47- Pioneered the up-grading of schools (Oriwu College, Ikorodu-Ikorodu LED, Agbowa/Ikosi Methodist High School, Agbowa – Epe LED, Iworo/Ajido High School, Ebute-Olofin – Badagry LED, Methodist Boys High School, V/Island – Lagos Island LED, Vetland Grammar School, Agege – Agege LED) to models college status;
48- In 2000, Tinubu’s administration approved the setting up of technical committee by the Ministry of Education to renegotiate with the contractors formerly handling abandoned school projects;
49- In 2000, Tinubu approved the re-award and completion of 10 JSS workshops at a cost of N14.3 million;
50- Bola Tinubu gave a marching order to the State Tenders Board to reappraise the submission of technical committee for the re-award of 25 prototype classroom blocks at a cost of N111 million at Ibeju-Lekki, Epe LED;
51- Through the Ministry of Education, Tinubu ordered the supply of special equipment to Atanda-Olu School for the physically handicapped, Surulere, at a cost N321,000;
52- Through the Ministry of Education, Tinubu ordered the supply of special equipment to Modupe Cole for Mentally slow School, Akoka, at a cost of N161,000;
53- Through the Ministry of Education, Tinubu ordered the supply of special equipment to National Orthopedic Special School, Igbobi, at a cost of N199, 500;
54- Through the Ministry of Education, Tinubu ordered the supply of special equipment to Wesley School 1 for the Deaf, Surulere, at a cost of N504, 000;
55- Through the Ministry of Education, Tinubu ordered the supply of special equipment to Wesley School 11 for the Deaf, Surulere, at a cost of N377, 000
56 Through the Ministry of Education, Tinubu ordered the supply of special equipment to Deaf Unit of State Grammar School, Eric Moore, Surulere at a cost of N1,819, 000;
57- Tinubu’s administration approved the provision and installation of teaching aids worth of N2 million for both primary and secondary schools, tagged 3 new priority machines ( Maxima Paper Cutting Machine; 211 offset printing machine; and Platen Latter Press/Numbering Machine)
58- Bola Ahmed Tinubu, at the inception of his administration in May 1999, was determined to strengthen the existing Five Technical College in the state to a standard form. Asiwaju demonstrated this by releasing the sum of N16.16 million for the installation of heavy technical equipment that were purchased since 1991 at the Government Technical Colleges Ikotun and Ado-Sabo respectively;
59- A sum of N85 million was approved and released, by Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s administration, for the Lagos State University (LASU) for its 3 campuses for the provision of infrastructural facilities at the campuses;
60- A sum of N158, 916,521.11 million was approved and released, by Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s administration, for the Lagos State University (LASU) for the completion of its on-going projects in 2000-2002
61- A sum of N64,841,195 million was approved and released, by Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s administration, for the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH) for the provision of micro-water works as well as the movement of the school to its permanent site at Ikorodu and accreditation programs ;
62 A sum of N60 million was approved and released by Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s administration, to Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education for the completion of its five on-going projects and the execution of eight new projects and accreditation programs;
63 A sum of N15 million was approved and released by Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s administration, to Lagos State College of Primary Education for the completion and execution of new projects;
64 In 1999, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s administration ensured that the Board of Trustees of Education Tax Fund (ETF) release the 70% of the approved funds to the ministry and other institutions in Lagos State;
65 In 1999, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s administration ensured that a total of two hundred and twenty non-teaching staff benefited from training at various workshops/seminar while two hundred and twenty –six officers from grade level 07 and above were recommended for promotion by the Personnel Management Board;
66 1999, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s administration ensured a total of 31 junior officers from grade levels 01- 06 were also recommended for promotion by the Personnel Management Board;
67 On Thursday 10th, 2000, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu underwrote the examination fees of all bonafide SSS 3 students in the state (90,000 students who sat for May/June 200 NECO) with payment of N99 million;
68 Tinubu’s administration also made all internal examination in government schools including technical colleges free;
69 Between 1999 and 2000, Tinubu’s administration via the Ministry of Education, provided all science materials needed for the NECO’s science practical examinations to all public secondary schools, at a cost of N94 million;
70 In the first administration of Tinubu’s administration, he approved plans to rehabilitate the public libraries at Ikorodu, Epe, Tolu, Agege, and Ebuta-Metta.
71 Five (5) new libraries and computer centres were established in the five division of the state; this is coupled with the establishment of library in each public school;
72 In 1999-2000, Tinubu’s administration approved and released a total sum of N4, 057,000 to Lagos State Scholarship Board, being payment to 737 old awardees. I addition, a sum of N33, 500,000 was paid to 3,342 indigenes studying in various institutions in Nigeria. And a sum of N3 million was paid to all 75 Lagos State Law Students at the Law School in Abuja
Tinubu 73-108
73. Approved the construction of staff office building with furniture LASUCOM, Ikeja;
74. Approved the construction of students’ hostel, Ojo;
75. Approved the construction of roads phase1, 11, 111, Ojo;
76. Approved the renovation and fencing of LASU Museum premises, Agege
77. Approved the renovation and provision of furniture to residential quarters, Epe
78. Approved the completion of physical planning unit’s office building, Ojo;
79. Approved the completion of LASU Press Centre Building, Ojo;
80. Approved the construction of faculty of law building, Ojo
81. Approved the construction of LASU Computer Center building, Ojo
82. Approved the renovation of 5 students hostel block, Epe
83. Approved the renovation of the staff quarters at Ojo Campus and Iba Estate;
84. Approved the provision of power generating set for LASU staff quarters at Ojo Campus;
85. Approved the provision 2 additional power generating sets for alternative power generation on LASU main Campus, Ojo;
86. Approved the renovation and painting of the main administrative blocks of LASU, Ojo Campus;
87. Approved the establishment of the LASU Information, Communication and Technology Centre (ICT);
88. Approved the completion of the Medical Research Complex comprising of offices, research laboratories, multi-purpose laboratories as well as a modern auditorium;
89. Tinubu’s administration demonstrated total commitment to the provision of quality medical education in the state by establishing Lagos State University College of Medicine in Feb 1999;
90. Tinubu’ s administration took all necessary and appropriate steps that led to the final and full accreditation of Lagos State University College of Medicine in November 2005;
91. In 2000, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved pre-accreditation processes in Lagos State College of Primary Education, Naforija, Epe, which was coordinated by Adeniran Ogunsanya College of e
92. Tinubu’s administration, via the Private Education and Special Programs Directorate, approved the establishment and operation of private institutions in Lagos State. In 2000, approval was given for the running of following: Private Nursery/Primary – 1,214, Private Secondary Schools- 99 and Private Vocational/ Remedial – 201;
93. Between 200 and 2001, 59 private secondary schools were recognized and granted approval after full-scale recognition inspection to present their students for Junior Secondary Certificate Examination;
94. Between December 1999 and January 2000, Tinubu’s administration via National Business and Technical Education Board (
95. Tinubu’s administration birthed the millennium classroom blocks designed to create a more conducive teaching and learning environment in Lagos State, which was the first of its kind in Nigeria;
96. Tinubu’s administration via the Ministry of Education, approved the construction of Abibat Mogaji Millennium Senior Secondary School, Iloro, Agege;
97. Tinubu’s administration via the Ministry of Education, approved the construction of Ajibola Ige Memorial Millennium Senior Secondary School Tolu Schools Complex, Ajeromi – Ifelodun;
98. Tinubu’s administration via the Ministry of Education, approved the construction of the Millennium Senior Secondary School, Egbeda;
99. Tinubu’s administration via the Ministry of Education, approved the construction of Babs Fafunwa Millennium Senior Secondary School, Ojodu, Ikeja;
100. From 1999-2003, twenty (20) two – storey prototype blocks were provided in 15 secondary schools across Lagos State at a cost of N130,000,000;
101. From 1999-2003, thirty – nine (39) functional blocks of classrooms were rehabilitated at a cost of N108, 689, 939
102. In 2003, Tinubu’s administration via the Ministry of Education, approved the establishment of 10 new secondary school in rural and riverine areas of the state;
103. From 1999-2003, thirty (30) functional blocks with the 6-1 bungalow classroom blocks were approved and provided at a total cost of N54, 300, 000;
104. Tinubu’s administration via the Ministry of Education, approved the construction of 501 classrooms in 24 primary schools and 26 secondary schools at a cost of N1, 195 billion;
105. Tinubu’s administration via the Ministry of Education, approved the rehabilitation of 602 classrooms in 4 primary schools and 50 secondary school at a cost of N561 million;
106. Tinubu’s administration via the Ministry of Education, approved the completion of abandoned 68 classrooms in 4 primary schools and central workshop in 2 technical colleges at a cost of N347 million;
107. Tinubu’s administration via the Ministry of Education, approved the supply of 3,076 dual furniture desks and benches in various schools across the state;
108. Between 1999 and 2007, Tinubu’s administration via the Ministry of Education, approved the establishment of new schools (14 primary schools) across the state;
OTHER LAUDABLE ACHIEVEMENTS
11- SETTING UP OF LCDAs
To engender all-round, all-inclusive growth and development at the grassroots, Asiwaju created 37 local council development authorities out of the existing 20 local governments in the state, taking the total number to 57. That policy pitched the state government against the Olusegun Obasanjo-led Federal Government, leading to the seizure of LG funds due to the state. The success of this revolutionary initiative in the development of Lagos State is visible for even the visually impaired to see and feel.
12- LAGOS IPP
Another groundbreaking initiative of Asiwaju Tinubu’s government was the Independent Power Plant (IPP) project in collaboration with US energy company, ENRON.It was the first in the nation’s history. It was the belief of the state government then that the state, being the commercial nerve centre of the nation, deserves adequate electricity to power industries, both large, medium and small scale.
Though the project was frustrated by the Federal Government, it was a clear pointer that Lagos State has a thinking helmsman who sees well into the future.
13- SUPREME COURT TRIUMPHS
On a number of occasions, Asiwaju Tinubu had fundamental disagreements with the Obasanjo administration over constitutional issues related to fiscal federalism, devolution of powers and true federalism.
To resolve these issues in legal and constitutional ways, the Lagos State government took the FG to the Supreme Court 13 times, out of which the state won 12. The state’s legal team was spearheaded by the incumbent Vice President, Prof. Yemo Osinbajo, who served the state back then as the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, ably assisted by Mr. Fola Authur Worrey, the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice.
14- CREATION OF NEW CITY
Hitherto, one of the biggest environmental challenges that confronted Lagos and initially defied all forms of solutions was the issue of ocean surge.
The possibility of the entire stretch of Victoria Island being swept away by the perennial surge was staring everyone in the face. For a fact, the whole of Ahmadu Bello Way on Victoria Island was on the verge of extinction.
But rather than resign to fate like some leaders are wont to do, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s government teamed up with a multinational private sector player, to reclaim the ocean and build a brand new city out of it. Now sprouting majestically on the spot is the Eko Atlantic City, boasting world-class facilities comparable with that of the most advanced cities across the world.
15- PRODUCING 3 CONSECUTIVE SUCCESSORS
A leader can only be deemed successful if he produces successful successors. Without an iota of doubt, Asiwaju Tinubu is not only successful, he has produced thousands of proteges who have become leaders in their own rights. But most significantly, is the fact that the Jagaban Borgu has produced three successive successors, who all contributed immensely to preserving and improving on the legacies bequeathed by Asiwaju. No other governor in the class of 1999 to 2007 has achieved this remarkable feat.
16-INTRODUCTION OF LAND USE CHARGE
Asiwaju Tinubu remains one leader who is never scared of taking tough decisions for the betterment and overall development of the society. As governor, one of the toughest decisions he took was the introduction of the Land Use Charge, which came into effect in the aftermath of a long-drawn and exhaustive debate by members of the Lagos State Executive Council. Unarguably, that policy has shored up the revenue profile of Lagos State in multiple folds, with the state ranking as the highest earner in Internal Generated Revenue (IGR) among the 36 states of the federation.
17- ESTABLISHMENT OF THE SOUTHERN GOVERNORS FORUM
Unknown to many, it was Asiwaju Tinubu’s initiative that led to the establishment of the Southern Governors Forum (SGF).
The maiden meeting of the Forum was hosted in Lagos at the Eko Tourist Resort at Akodo, Ibeju Lekki.
18- Tinubu invested N4 billion Lagos money in ECONET Wireless in 2v and sold the investment for N19 billion in 2007.
HOUSING ESTATE OF TINUBU
Tinubu administration created a the Ministry of Housing s a full fledged ministry. Prior to that period, Housing was subsumed under the Lands and Housing Department.
The creation of a full Ministry of Housing was in response to the yearnings of the teeming population for government’s intervention in the provision of shelter. Apart from being one of the three basic needs for human existence, housing has cultural significance for an average Nigerian family whose lifelong ambition is to own a house.
With the responsibility of providing affordable shelter for the ever expanding population of Lagos State, the new ministry set out a 10-point Agenda to build 5000 Housing Units per annum, spread across the five Divisions of the state that fits socio-economic status of the residents.
The distribution pattern of the houses was 70% for Low Income earner, 20% for Medium Income earners and 10% for High Income earners. Furthermore, the Tinubu-led government executed unique operational strategies to deliver houses and these include Contractor Financing, use of civil servants for Direct Labour and Public Private Partnership. It is important to point out that the Lagos State Government under Tinubu introduced the concept of PPP in Nigeria’s governance lexicon.
Despite associated challenges, the administration was able to deliver 6005 Housing Units by the end of its second term in 2007.
Some of the schemes brought to life by the Tinubu-led government include the Abraham Adesanya Estate, Ajah, Ibeshe Low Income Scheme, Oba Adeyinka Oyekan 2 Estate, Lekki, Oba Ayangburen Phase 2, Ikorodu, Gbagada Medium Scheme 1, Amuwo Odofin Medium Scheme, Abraham Adesanya Phase 2, Ojokoro Millennium Scheme, to mention but a few.
JUDICIAL AND LEGAL REFORMS DURING THE ADMINISTRATION OF ASIWAJU BOLA AHMED TINUBU AS GOVERNOR OF LAGOS STATE
The overarching goal of the reform of the judiciary is to achieve an independent, reform-oriented and well- funded
system which guarantees the rule of law and is efficient, effective, transparent, accountable and accessible.
Consequently, during the plan period, the legal and judicial systems were further modemised and strengthened
to attain the folowing objectives:
-Increased efficiency of the Courts;
-Promotion of Better Management of Strategic, Human and Operational Resources through the introduction of a
Legal Information Management System;
Promotion of greater fairmess and adaptabilty with respect to prevention, settlement and sentencing;
-Making justce universally accessible and affordable;
-Enhanced regulatory and institutional frameworks;
Pursuant to the above, the Lagos State Goverrnment under the watch of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu carried out the following reforms:
1. Adoption of New Court procedural rules in the State Judiciary;
2. Increased number of Judges to expedite dispensation of justice!
3. Court development and rehabiitaton programme;
4. Introduced Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Mechanisms through the establishment of Citizens Mediation Centre (CMC), Ofioe of PublIc Defender (OPD) and Lagos Multi-Door Courts;
5. Guaranteed Autonomy of State Judicial Service Commission;
6. Initiated periodic law review;
7.Established a Legal Resource Centre;
8. Created enabling laws to guarantee the rule of law and property rights.
Go and verify the reality of Asiwaju Tinubu rather than comity of Dj PO Munle.
~Bisi Omo Olubadan
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