Business
Lagos Moves To Redevelop Tolu School Complex In Ajegunle, Lists Benefits
Lagos Moves To Redevelop Tolu School Complex In Ajegunle, Lists Benefits
As parts of the move to improve on the teaching and learning process for pupils, the Special Committee on Rehabilitation of Public Schools (SCRPS), in Lagos State, has been mandated by the Lagos state government to revamp the densely populated Tolu School Complex in Ajegunle.
The committee is to ensure that the entire complex is redesigned in a manner that the building appears more befitting and appealing as well as become cynosure of all eyes to improve teaching and learning in the affected schools.
Recognising the enormity of the job given to the committee, its Chairman, who spoke with some journalists on Thursday in Ikeja, said the move was very much necessary considering the need to put Education system in good shape in the state.
From his body language and submission, the SCRPS is much interested in addressing the infrastructural decay in the public school and, as a result, intervened heavily following the mandate it got from the state government.
It is saddened to know that the entire school complex, which covers an expanse of approximately 11.73 hectares of land, houses 36 schools and all are in bad condition. More heart-rending is that fact that majority of the buildings are with blown off roofs, cracked walls, broken window panes, abandoned toilets which encouraged open defecation by the students, just to mention a few.
It is pleasing to know that the Tolu School Complex was established in 1981 during Alhaji Lateef kayode Jakande administration, and the Mass Education Policy, at that time, necessitated the reclamation of the parcel of land from the lagoon, in order to accommodate the teeming population in that area, who must have access to education.
The successive administration under the leadership of Air Commodore Gbolahan Mudashiru, who was the Governor of Lagos state from 1984-1986, continued from where his predecessor stopped, by upgrading the existing Jakande blocks to standard ones and more schools were added to the ever growing community.
To continue on the historical background of the Tolu School Complex, the facility has been in existence for over four decades and the high level of usage without proper maintenance in place have resulted to their different levels of infrastructural decay. But as things stand now, the Lagos State government is hell bent in making immediate intervention, to practically rehabilitate those that need rehabilitation, demolish and re-develop as the case may require.
Haleem Smith had, in his address, revealed how several reconnaissance and assessment visits to the Tolu school complex have been done by the SCRPS officials and various problems were identified. This obviously is part of the move the Committee has made.
Some of the problems that were encountered include the population of students being on the higher side that the available classrooms, which are not even conducive for learning. So, the pressing need, at that instance, becomes erecting additional classroom blocks.
Also, the existing blocks require urgent rehabilitation as the blocks are in various stages of dilapidation. Some other problems identified include lack of recreational facilities, laboratories, teachers and principals’ offices and toilets, non-clearly defined boundaries within the schools, which encourages inter-school scuffles.
Others include inadequate access roads within the complex, recurrent issue of flooding, security issues in form of school break-ins and theft, non-availability of ICT infrastructure within the complex and lack of perimeter fencing-allowing incessant activities of miscreants within the area are some of the challenges faced at the complex.
Having identified the major problems, the execution and management of the project will be a lot easier as the project has been divided into six lots, that is Lots A, B, C, D, E, F so as to get the work done without much encumbrances.
Smith explained that the Committee has proposed, amongst others, the construction of additional 13nos 15 and 18 Classroom blocks with offices and toilets in some of the schools having shortage of classrooms, renovation of identified dilapidated classroom blocks, construction of perimeter fences and gate houses, construction of new inner roads and drainages, rehabilitation of existing access roads and the construction of health-care center.
For this reason, He assured that the committee will make efforts to construct a fire service station in the complex to mitigate against any fire outbreak; a multi-purpose sports complex; electrical works-solar powered floodlight and other needed infrastructure.
Also, an ICT hub, central laboratory and arts/creativity blocks under private sponsorship arrangement, will also be established while all of these will be maintained by the facility management office which, at the end, will make Tolu School Complex become an ‘Education City’.
Let it also be known that some other the benefits attached to the redevelopment of the school complex include bringing succor to the educational needs of the growing population of that area; catalyst for commerce as more businesses will start springing up and more importantly; help build capacity in the area of Science, Technology, Sports and Academics due to the state-of-the-arts structure that will begin to spring up.
Alpha Morgan to Host 19th Economic Review Webinar
In an economy shaped by constant shifts, the edge often belongs to those with the right information.
On Wednesday, February 25, 2026, Alpha Morgan Bank will host the 19th edition of its Economic Review Webinar, a high-level thought leadership session designed to equip businesses, investors, and individuals with timely financial and economic insight.
The session, which will hold live on Zoom at 10:00am WAT and will feature economist Bismarck Rewane, who will examine the key signals influencing Nigeria’s economic direction in 2026, including policy trends, market movements, and global developments shaping the local landscape.
With a consistent track record of delivering clarity in uncertain times, the Alpha Morgan Economic Review continues to provide practical context for decision-making in a dynamic environment.
Registration for the 19th Alpha Morgan Economic Review is free and can be completed via https://bit.ly/registeramerseries19
It is a bi-monthly platform that is open to the public and is held virtually.
Visit www.alphamorganbank to know more.
GTBank Launches Quick Airtime Loan at 2.95%
Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd (GTBank), the flagship banking franchise of GTCO Plc, Africa’s leading financial services group, today announced the launch of Quick Airtime Loan, an innovative digital solution that gives customers instant access to airtime when they run out of call credit and have limited funds in their bank accounts, ensuring customers can stay connected when it matters most.
In today’s always-on world, running out of airtime is more than a minor inconvenience. It can mean missed opportunities, disrupted plans, and lost connections, often at the very moment when funds are tight, and options are limited. Quick Airtime Loan was created to solve this problem, offering customers instant access to airtime on credit, directly from their bank. With Quick Airtime Loan, eligible GTBank customers can access from ₦100 and up to ₦10,000 by dialing *737*90#. Available across all major mobile networks in Nigeria, the service will soon expand to include data loans, further strengthening its proposition as a reliable on-demand platform.
For years, the airtime credit market has been dominated by Telcos, where charges for this service are at 15%. GTBank is now changing the narrative by offering a customer-centric, bank-led digital alternative priced at 2.95%. Built on transparency, convenience and affordability, Quick Airtime Loan has the potential to broaden access to airtime, deliver meaningful cost savings for millions of Nigerians, and redefine how financial services show up in everyday life, not just in banking moments.
Commenting on the product launch, Miriam Olusanya, Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd, said: “Quick Airtime Loan reflects GTBank’s continued focus on delivering digital solutions that are relevant, accessible, and built around real customer needs. The solution underscores the power of a connected financial ecosystem, combining GTBank’s digital reach and lending expertise with the capabilities of HabariPay to deliver a smooth, end-to-end experience. By leveraging unique strengths across the Group, we are able to accelerate innovation, strengthen execution, and deliver a more integrated customer experience across all our service channels.”
Importantly, Quick Airtime Loan highlights GTCO’s evolution as a fully diversified financial services group. Leveraging HabariPay’s Squad, the solution reinforces the Group’s ecosystem proposition by bringing together banking, payment technology, and digital channels to deliver intuitive, one-stop experiences for customers.
With this new product launch, Guaranty Trust Bank is extending its legacy of pioneering digital-first solutions that have redefined customer access to financial services across the industry, building on the proven strength of its widely adopted QuickCredit offering and the convenience of the Bank’s iconic *737# USSD Banking platform.
About Guaranty Trust Bank
Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) is the flagship banking franchise of GTCO Plc, a leading financial services group with a strong presence across Africa and the United Kingdom. The Bank is widely recognized for its leadership in digital banking, customer experience, and innovative financial solutions that deliver value to individuals, businesses, and communities.
About HabariPay
HabariPay is the payments fintech subsidiary of GTCO Plc, focused on enabling fast, secure, and accessible digital payments for individuals and businesses. By integrating payments and digital technology, HabariPay supports innovative services that make everyday financial interactions simpler and more seamless.
Enquiries:
GTCO
Group Corporate Communication
[email protected]
+234-1-2715227
www.gtcoplc.com
Business
BUA Group, AD Ports Group and MAIR Group Launch Strategic Plan for World-Class Sugar and Agro-Logistics Hub at Khalifa Port
BUA Group, AD Ports Group and MAIR Group Sign MoU to Explore Collaboration in Sugar Refining, Agro-Industrial Development, and Integrated Global Logistics Solutions
Abu Dhabi, UAE – Monday, 16th February 2026
BUA Group, AD Ports Group, and MAIR Group of Abu Dhabi today signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore collaboration in sugar refining, agro-industrial development, and integrated global logistics solutions. The partnership aims to create a world-class platform that strengthens regional food security, supports industrial diversification, and reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a hub for trade and manufacturing.
The proposed collaboration will leverage BUA Group’s industrial and logistics expertise, Khalifa Port’s world-class infrastructure, and AD Ports Group’s operational experience. The initiative aligns with the objectives of the UAE Food Security Strategy 2051, which seeks to position the UAE as a global leader in sustainable food production and resilient supply chains. It also aligns with Nigeria’s food production- and export-oriented agricultural transformation agenda, focused on scaling domestic capacity, strengthening value addition, improving post-harvest logistics, and unlocking new markets for Nigerian produce across the Middle East, Asia, and beyond.
Photo Caption: L-R: Kabiru Rabiu, Group Executive Director, BUA Group; Cpt. Mohammed J. Al Shamisi, MD/Group CEO, AD Ports Group; Saif Al Mazrouei, CEO (Ports Cluster) AD Ports Group; Abdul Samad Rabiu, Founder/Executive Chairman, BUA Group; and Steve Green, Group CFO, MAIR Group
Through structured aggregation, processing, storage, and maritime export channels, the partnership is designed to reduce supply chain inefficiencies, enhance traceability and quality standards, and also create a predictable trade corridor between West Africa and the Gulf.
BUA Group—recognised as one of Africa’s largest and most diversified conglomerates, with major investments across sugar refining, food production, flour milling, cement manufacturing, and infrastructure- brings extensive industrial expertise and large-scale operational capability to the venture. MAIR Group will provide strategic support in developing integrated logistics and agro-industrial solutions, creating a seamless platform for production, storage, and distribution.
Abdul Samad Rabiu, Founder and Chairman of BUA Group, said:
“This MoU marks an important milestone in BUA’s international expansion and reflects our long-term vision of building globally competitive industrial platforms. Together with AD Ports Group and MAIR Group, we aim to develop sustainable food production and logistics solutions that strengthen regional supply chains and support the UAE’s Food Security Strategy 2051.”
He further added that, “This partnership represents not just a commercial arrangement but a strategic food corridor anchored on shared economic ambition, resilient infrastructure, and disciplined execution, reinforcing long-term food security objectives for both nations.”
A representative of MAIR Group added:
“This collaboration underscores our commitment to advancing strategic industries in Abu Dhabi and building integrated solutions that reinforce the UAE’s position as a global hub for trade, food security, and industrial excellence.”
A spokesperson from AD Ports Group commented:
“Our partnership with BUA Group and MAIR Group highlights Khalifa Port’s role as a catalyst for high-impact industrial investments. This initiative will enhance regional food security, strengthen global trade connectivity, and support Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification goals.”
This MoU marks a historic collaboration that combines world-class infrastructure, industrial expertise, and strategic vision, setting the stage for a sustainable and resilient food and logistics ecosystem that will benefit the UAE, the region, and global markets alike.
-
celebrity radar - gossips6 months agoWhy Babangida’s Hilltop Home Became Nigeria’s Political “Mecca”
-
society6 months agoPower is a Loan, Not a Possession: The Sacred Duty of Planting People
-
society5 months agoReligion: Africa’s Oldest Weapon of Enslavement and the Forgotten Truth
-
news6 months agoTHE APPOINTMENT OF WASIU AYINDE BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AS AN AMBASSADOR SOUNDS EMBARRASSING