Senator Tokunbo Abiru has donated a state-of-the-art STEM Lab to celebrate the 50th anniversary of his alma mater, Government College, Surulere, Lagos.
The event was attended by the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.
During the event, several landmark projects aimed at enhancing the quality of education at the institution, were Inaugurated.
The event, held on Monday, was graced by the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, who also inaugurated several landmark projects funded by Senator Abiru through the office of the Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Senator Abiru, an alumnus of the institution who graduated over 40 years ago, expressed his pride and commitment to enhancing educational quality in the region.
“This is just the beginning. Our goal is not confined to Ikorodu or Lagos East. We aim to extend these opportunities to all of Lagos and, eventually, to every corner of Nigeria, ensuring that every child has access to a world-class education that empowers them to dream, innovate, and succeed,” he stated.
The newly inaugurated projects include a complete rehabilitation of a 700-seater auditorium, 24 new toilets across the first and ground floors, and the reconstruction of five administrative offices, two large lecture halls, two staff rooms for teachers, and waiting areas.
In his speech, Senator Abiru reflected on his family’s legacy and his journey through education. “As I reminisce about this institution’s legacy, I am drawn to my own family’s journey—one that began with my father, the late Senator Hon. Justice Mubasheer Akanbi Olatunji Abiru, who was born and raised in the serene town of Ikorodu. My father’s roots in Ikorodu have been a cornerstone of our family’s heritage, and his life represents the values of ambition, determination, and service that I have strived to embody,” he shared.
He continued to emphasize the disparities in education today, lamenting that “the separation between public and private schools has widened, with the children of elites attending private institutions far removed from the experiences of the average Nigerian child.” Senator Abiru posed a critical question to the audience: “How can we restore the pride of Government College, Eric Moore, and schools like it? How do we rebuild an education system that brings students from different backgrounds together and prepares them for the future?”
To address these challenges, he highlighted initiatives from the SAIL Empowerment Foundation, which he and his wife founded. “Through the SAIL Innovation Lab in partnership with Co-Creation Hub, we are providing a state-of-the-art innovation center that is free for graduates and students, while equipping thousands of teachers with modern teaching methodologies,” he explained.
“We are creating a future where every child has access to the tools, knowledge, and opportunities they need to succeed—just as we did.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Honourable Commissioner of Basic Education in Lagos State, Hon. Jimoh Alli-Balogun, praised Senator Abiru for his impactful contributions to human capital development and beyond.
The event also featured commendations from Rear Admiral Leye Jaiyeola (Rtd), the Global President of the Government College Lagos Old Boys Association, who recognized Senator Abiru’s efforts alongside other notable contributors, including Princess (Mrs) Adejoke Orelope-Adefulure.
The day was further enriched by a keynote lecture delivered by renowned professor of intellectual property, Professor Bankole Shodipo, SAN, also an alumnus of Government College Lagos, as the community celebrated its legacy and looked forward to a brighter educational future.
