COWLSO invests ₦234m in 48 Lagos schools

The Lagos State Government has intensified its push for inclusive education with an investment of over ₦234 million in 48 schools through the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials.

Speaking at the 2026 schools intervention initiative on Thursday, the First Lady, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, said the intervention reflects a sustained commitment to supporting children with special needs and strengthening the education sector.

“Between 2022 and 2026, COWLSO has invested over ₦234 million in 48 schools across Lagos State,” she said.

She explained that the initiative, implemented through the COWLSO Schools Committee, focuses on identifying critical gaps and complementing government efforts, particularly in inclusive education.

Providing a breakdown, she noted that “the maiden edition of the programme in 2022/2023 impacted 12 schools with ₦49.8 million, while the second phase in 2023/2024 supported another 12 schools with ₦60 million.”

“In this third phase, Project 3.0, we have scaled up our impact by supporting 24 schools with interventions valued at ₦124.457 million, bringing the total investment to ₦234.257 million across the three phases,” she added.

According to her, the 2026 beneficiaries were drawn from the six education districts, comprising 12 primary and 12 secondary inclusive schools.

She listed the interventions to include “renovation of classroom blocks, provision of potable water, perimeter fencing, beds for boarding facilities, science laboratory equipment, ICT centres, and other essential learning materials tailored for children with special needs.”

Sanwo-Olu stressed that the initiative underscores the government’s resolve to ensure inclusivity in education.

“This intervention reinforces our commitment to ensuring that no child is left behind. Inclusive education remains central to our development agenda,” she said.

She also urged school administrators to maintain the facilities provided.

“It is important that these investments are properly maintained so that they continue to benefit students for years to come,” she said.

Earlier, the Coordinator of the COWLSO Schools Committee, Anike Adekanye, described the programme as a deliberate effort to improve learning environments across the state.

“This is a mission of the heart, driven by years of dedication to improving educational infrastructure in Lagos State,” she said.

Adekanye noted that the current phase focused specifically on inclusive schools catering to children with visual and hearing impairments and other special needs.

“Project 3.0 was inspired by firsthand experiences and a deep desire to improve learning conditions for vulnerable students,” she said.

She added that “all funds allocated to the projects were judiciously utilised, with continuous monitoring and evaluation to ensure proper use and maintenance of the facilities.”

Adekanye commended the First Lady’s leadership, noting that “the success of the programme is a testament to strong collaboration and shared commitment within COWLSO.”

The intervention forms part of broader efforts by the state to strengthen inclusive education and improve access to quality learning for all categories of students.