The Education Secretary of the Ikorodu Local Government Education Authority (LGEA), Alhaji Taiwo Abiodun Odumbo, on Thursday celebrated his first 365 days in office with a press conference where he presented a comprehensive account of achievements recorded under his administration and received commendations from stakeholders across the education sector.

Speaking on the theme, “365 Days of Inclusive Leadership, Visible Progress and Renewed Hope in Education,” Alhaji Odumbo said his administration had focused on building trust, promoting inclusiveness, ensuring transparency, and strengthening collaboration among stakeholders in the education sector.

He stated that upon assuming office one year ago, he was determined to build on the legacies of his predecessors while creating an educational system where every staff member feels valued and every stakeholder contributes meaningfully to educational development in Ikorodu Division.

According to him, strategic partnerships with political office holders, traditional rulers, development organizations, security agencies, community stakeholders and educational institutions made it possible to address critical educational needs across the division.

The Education Secretary highlighted massive infrastructural developments recorded within the period, including the construction, reconstruction, renovation and rehabilitation of over 40 classroom blocks, toilet facilities, boreholes, perimeter fences, ICT centres, Home Economics Centres and other educational facilities across schools in Ikorodu, Ijede, Igbogbo-Baiyeku, Ikorodu North, Ikorodu West and Imota LCDAs.

Among notable projects were the construction of new classroom blocks in Ibeshe, Baiyeku, Isawo, Imota, Agunfoye and Ijede communities, rehabilitation of several public primary schools, provision of modern toilet facilities, furniture donations, installation of solar-powered streetlights and construction of disability-friendly facilities in selected schools.

Alhaji Odumbo further disclosed that his administration invested heavily in staff development through the organization of Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) training, Hope-Edu Initiative programmes, leadership and management workshops, school safety training and ICT capacity-building programmes for teachers and school administrators.

On academic performance, he revealed that pupils from Ikorodu LGEA distinguished themselves in several competitions, including the Governor’s Quiz Competition, Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN) Quiz Competition, LASTMA Essay Competition, athletics and chess tournaments, while scholarship opportunities were also secured for outstanding pupils.

Speaking on policy implementation and administrative reforms, the Education Secretary said 181 officers were successfully promoted, over 800 candidates were prepared for future promotion exercises, while 317 new teachers were recruited and deployed to schools between 2025 and 2026.

He added that more than 400 out-of-school children were re-enrolled through Project Zero and UBEC/SUBEB campaigns, while School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs) and Uniform Voluntary Organisations were revived to strengthen community participation in education.

Alhaji Odumbo also highlighted welfare programmes initiated for staff and pupils, including educational excursions, anti-drug abuse sensitization campaigns, improved school security and the distribution of furniture to schools.

Expressing gratitude to political leaders, traditional rulers, LASUBEB management, development partners and community stakeholders, he said the achievements recorded within the past year were the result of collective efforts and shared commitment to educational development.

Delivering a goodwill message, Chairman of the Parents Forum, Ikorodu Division, Mr. Jenrade Abdulwasiu Mokolade, commended Alhaji Odumbo for what he described as purposeful and impactful leadership. He stated that parents had witnessed remarkable improvements in school infrastructure, learning conditions, teacher performance and pupil enrollment since the Education Secretary assumed office.

Mokolade noted that the Education Secretary had effectively utilized his influence and partnerships to attract resources and development projects to public schools, adding that parents now have renewed confidence in the public education system.

Comrade Abdullateef Oduguwa described the achievements document presented by the Education Secretary as a benchmark for future administrators. He praised Odumbo’s listening leadership style and urged him to introduce sporting competitions among schools while recommending reward programmes for outstanding teachers.

Responding, Alhaji Odumbo announced that an award ceremony for both teaching and non-teaching staff would be held in September, while a comprehensive health programme for education workers is scheduled for October.

Former Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Ikorodu Branch, Comrade Oluwafemi Fakolade, said he was proud of the achievements recorded under Odumbo’s leadership, describing his policies as teacher-friendly and people-oriented. He pledged his continued support and urged stakeholders to sustain collaboration for the benefit of teachers and pupils.

Former Education Secretary, Mr. Afolabi Amusa, represented by Mr. Tijani, applauded the achievements of the Education Secretary and advised that security-related concerns affecting schools should continue to receive attention from relevant authorities.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Ikorodu Branch, Comrade Tairu Temitope, described the celebration as unprecedented, noting that it was the first time an Education Secretary had publicly presented such a detailed account of achievements within a year in office.

Speaking on behalf of Heads of Department in Education across the division, Mrs. Osho congratulated the Education Secretary and described his emergence as evidence that young and dynamic leadership can bring positive transformation to the education sector.

Deputy Bursar of LASU International School, Mrs. Sosu Olaitan, recalled her professional relationship with Alhaji Odumbo and praised his energy, passion and dedication to educational development. She noted that his contributions at LASU International School remained memorable and expressed confidence in his capacity to deliver greater results if given more responsibilities.

The Chairman of IKODASS commended the Education Secretary for reviving school clubs and extracurricular activities, noting that such initiatives would help engage pupils positively and discourage social vices among young people.

Speaking on behalf of Supervisors for Education in Ikorodu Division, Hon. Adeyemi Benson, Supervisor for Education, Igbogbo-Baiyeku LCDA, described Alhaji Odumbo as a strong advocate of collaboration and assured him of continued support from education supervisors across the division.

Representing Head Teachers, Mrs. Monsurat praised the Education Secretary for his inclusive leadership style, stating that he consistently sought the opinions of stakeholders before taking decisions and had avoided authoritarian leadership.

Also speaking, SBMC Chairperson for Ikorodu Division, Mrs. Shaoga, described Alhaji Odumbo as a democrat and a leader who carries stakeholders along in policy implementation. She commended him for giving School-Based Management Committees a sense of belonging in educational programmes and advocacy activities.

The event concluded with stakeholders unanimously commending Alhaji Taiwo Odumbo for his first year in office and expressing confidence that his administration would continue to advance the cause of quality basic education across Ikorodu Division.