FG Plans to improve infrastructure in Unity Schools

FG Approves N80bn for Infrastructure Upgrades in Unity Schools, Announces Key Educational Reforms

The Federal Government has approved the sum of N80 billion for infrastructure upgrades across Unity Schools in 2025.

This include N40 billion for rehabilitation, N20 billion for security, fencing, and access control, as well as N20 billion for solar energy installation.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, disclosed this to journalists after he delivered the 2025 convocation lecture of Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, titled, ‘Patriotism, Citizenship and National Ownership: The Imperative of Collective Responsibility for Nigeria’s Future’.

He reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to comprehensive educational reform and national development under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership.

“This is unprecedented. No administration in our history has committed this much to our Unity Schools,” he stated.

Speaking on key initiatives, Alausa outlined several ongoing and future projects aimed at revitalising Nigeria’s education sector and creating economic opportunities, especially for the youth.

He noted that the Ministry of Education is launching a youth venture capital grant programme of up to N10 million for student entrepreneurs and an additional single-digit interest loans through the Bank of Industry (BoI).

“This is a government focused on creating opportunities for young Nigerians,” the minister stated.

Since assuming office, the administration has established 21 new universities.

However, Alausa acknowledged the funding and infrastructure gaps, saying that the government is conducting a needs assessment, committing N70 billion from TETFund to upgrade 18 medical schools, constructing six simulation labs for health training institutions at a cost of N40 billion, as well as planning to realign tertiary education with labour market needs.

Addressing the issue of brain drain, he highlighted efforts to double the enrollment in medical and nursing programmes, with admissions rising from 28,000 to nearly 100,000 annually.

“We are working to produce more professionals in medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and other key areas to meet both local and global demand,” he said.

 “We’re no longer dying in the midst of plenty. We’re increasing capacity and aligning education with national needs,” he stressed.

The minister also criticised the overreliance on PTA teachers, some of whom have served for over two decades under poor conditions.

“Government is taking steps to regularise qualified PTA teachers into the civil service and prevent unqualified hires moving forward,” Alausa said.

He denied rumours of a proposed 40 per cent PTA fee increase, asserting that such decisions are not within PTA mandates.

Lagos sets July 12 for local government election, Campaigns to start by April 18

The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission has officially announced July 12, 2025, as the date for the much-anticipated local government election across the state.

The announcement, made by LASIEC’s Head of Public Affairs, Tope Ojo, on Friday, signals the formal commencement of the electoral process for the 57 council chairmanship seats and 376 councillorship positions spread across the state’s 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas.

According to Ojo, should there be a need for a rerun in any of the wards or councils, the supplementary election has been scheduled for July 19.

This development comes as the tenure of the current local council officials nears its constitutional end, prompting LASIEC to swing into full election preparation mode to avoid any governance vacuum at the third tier of government.

"The commission has released the official Notice of Election, marking the beginning of electoral activities. Political parties are now expected to visit the LASIEC headquarters to obtain nomination forms for their candidates,” Ojo said.

As part of its engagements with stakeholders, LASIEC has slated a meeting with all registered political parties for Tuesday.

The commission also disclosed that the detailed Election Guidelines will be published on April 17, providing a framework for the conduct of the elections, including timelines for candidate nominations and campaign activities.

Campaigns and political rallies are permitted to begin from April 18 and will run through to July 9, giving political parties nearly three months to present their platforms and candidates to the electorate.

The nomination process for “substituted” and “only candidate” entries must be completed between June 18 and June 25, according to LASIEC’s electoral timetable.

Chairman of LASIEC, Justice Ayotunde Phillips (rtd), has reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to ensuring a free, fair, transparent, and inclusive election.

She emphasised that LASIEC is working to guarantee a level playing field for all political parties, regardless of their size or influence.

“We are dedicated to strengthening grassroots democracy through a credible electoral process. The integrity of this election is paramount, and we are engaging all stakeholders to ensure trust in the outcome,” she stated.

She, therefore, urged political actors, civil society organizations, security agencies, and citizens to play their part in ensuring peaceful and orderly elections.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration has consistently emphasised the importance of local governance in achieving development goals across Lagos.

With more than 90% of public services and community development activities rooted in the local council structure, credible elections at that level are seen as fundamental to sustaining Lagos’ reputation as a pacesetter in governance and urban administration.

The upcoming elections are expected to be a litmus test for Lagos’ political structure, especially as political parties jostle for relevance and increased grassroots penetration.

Observers say the exercise will serve as a prelude to larger political realignments ahead of the next general elections in 2027.