Wale Jagun
As part of events lined up to mark the 50th founders’ anniversary of the popular Government College, Lagos, the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, on Monday, commissioned the GCI STEM Lab equipped and managed by the SAIL Empowerment Foundation, an endowment of Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru and his wife, Mrs Feyisola Abiru.
The Governor also commissioned other landmark projects provided by the Senator, through the intervention of the office of the Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs.
Senator Abiru graduated from the elite school over 40 years ago. The projects include: rehabilitated 700-seater capacity auditorium, including the gallery. Twenty – four toilets were also provided on the first and ground floor. Five administrative offices at the top floor and two big lecture halls on the ground floor were also totally reconstructed, including two staff rooms for teachers and two waiting areas.
Senator Abiru who is the Chairman of the 50th Founder’s Day lecture, speaking, commended the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, for their contributions towards the provision of quality education.
He assured that 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 continued, “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.
“Ikorodu in the early 20th century was a traditional Yoruba town, focused on fishing, agriculture, and trading. My father, recognizing the transformative power of education, sought greater opportunities, which eventually led him to Lagos Island and later to Surulere, where he continued to build a legacy of excellence. His journey not only shaped him but also laid the foundation for the values and aspirations that have guided my own life”, he said.
Senator Abiru while stating how said his late father’s commitment to educational development and public service influenced his own path, also recalled his time at the school.
“Growing up in Lagos, I had the privilege of attending this great institution—Government College, Eric Moore, Lagos. It was here that I received the foundation for everything I have achieved, both personally and professionally.
“Watching my father’s dedication to education and public service deeply influenced my own path as a Lagosian committed to public service and the development of our great city.
“In my time, Government College, Eric Moore, was a place where students from all walks of life came together, bound by the shared pursuit of knowledge and excellence. Our teachers, led by the late Mr. E. A. Banwo, as principal, were committed to not only teaching us but also inspiring us to reach our full potential. The facilities were well-equipped, allowing us to explore and excel academically”, he said.
The two – term Senator said that his concern for quality education and build the future leaders informed the formation of the SAIL Empowerment Foundation.
“However, today, we face a different reality. 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.
“The decline in public education has further deepened this divide, leaving many without access to the quality education that was once a given.
“So, the question we must ask ourselves is: 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?
“This is where my commitment lies. Through the SAIL Empowerment Foundation, which my wife and I founded, we’ve established the SAIL Innovation Lab in partnership with Co-Creation Hub, the foremost innovation lab in Africa.
“Together, 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. This partnership brings global expertise and a future-focused approach to the heart of Lagos, ensuring that we are not just restoring, but reimagining, the public education system for the 21st century.
“At SAIL Innovation Lab, we are building an inclusive environment where students from all backgrounds can come together to be prepared for the challenges of tomorrow. We are creating a future where every child has access to the tools, knowledge, and opportunities they need to succeed—just as we did”, Senator Abiru said.
Governor Sanwo-Olu who was represented by the Honourable Commissioner of Basic Education in Lagos State, Hon. Jimoh Alli-Balogun commended Senator Abiru for his legacies in human capital development and other areas.
The Global President of Government College Lagos Old Boys Association, Rear Admiral Leye Jaiyeola (Rtd), also commended the gesture of Senator Abiru, and other illustrious personalities , particularly Princess (Mrs) Adejoke Orelope-Adefulure who contributed immensely to the development of the school .
Renowned professor of intellectual property, Professor Bankole Shodipo, SAN, who is also an alumnus of GCI , delivered the keynote lecture at the well – attended programme.
