The first executive governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande, who passed on in the early hours of Thursday, February 11, has been described as a great educationist, who built strong foundation for the growth of education in the Centre of Excellence.
Eulogizing the giant strides of the former governor in a tribute, the Chairman of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board, LASUBEB, Hon Wahab Alawiye-King, said, “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 educationists Nigeria has ever produced, his love for education knew no bound.”
Alawiye-King’s eulogies and tribute were contained in a statement he personally signed and made available to newsmen on hearing the news of the death of the first elected executive governor of the State of Aquatic Splendour.
The LASUBEB boss further stated that Alhaji Jakande built a very strong education structure in the state when he was governor between October 1979 and December 1983.
He added, “Through massive construction of schools, he abolished the shift system in Lagos education structure; introduced School Management Committees, SMCs, 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 they 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 for 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 legacies remain the reference point for education growth, not only in Lagos but also in Nigeria.”
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.
