Odesola, Nwabuikwu, Okeugo lead speakers at Lagos Education Improvement Programme

Stanley Ihedigbo

Continental Overseer of Continent 3 of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Johnson Odesola, education management consultant and researcher, Dr. Stephanie Nwabuikwu, Executive Director of Intermarc, Dr. Adeyinka Adeyemi, and Group Head, Education at Sterling Bank, Yonodu Okeugo, have been confirmed as speakers for the Lagos Informal Settlements Education Improvement Programme scheduled to hold on Wednesday, July 2, at the Akinwunmi Ambode Youth Centre, Alagomeji, Yaba, Lagos.

The programme, organised by Youth Advocate for Change (YAFC), is themed “Future-Ready Teachers and Resilient Schools: Advancing Quality Education in Informal Settlements.” It is expected to bring together about 200 participants, including teachers, school proprietors, education district officials, policymakers, development partners, non-governmental organisations, faith-based organisations and community stakeholders from across Lagos State.

Speaking on the initiative, the Convener and Founder of Youth Advocate for Change, Adeola Ogunlade, described the programme as a strategic intervention aimed at transforming education delivery in low-income and underserved communities through improved teacher capacity, stronger school leadership and greater access to digital learning opportunities.

According to Ogunlade, the initiative is designed to equip teachers with practical knowledge in Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital education tools and innovative teaching methodologies that will improve classroom effectiveness and learning outcomes.

He explained that participants would also be exposed to learner-centred teaching approaches, classroom innovation strategies and leadership skills needed to meet the demands of 21st-century education.

Ogunlade noted that the programme would place significant emphasis on advancing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education, digital literacy, child safeguarding, mental health awareness, student wellbeing and institutional sustainability.

He added that beyond capacity building, the event would strengthen collaboration among government agencies, schools, non-governmental organisations, technology firms and development partners working to improve education across Lagos State.

“The programme is designed to build the capacity of teachers and school leaders to meet the demands of 21st-century education and improve learning outcomes for children in informal settlements,” Ogunlade said.

He further stated that the gathering would provide opportunities for teachers and schools to access professional development programmes, educational grants and other resources capable of improving teaching standards and school performance.

According to him, the event will also serve as a platform for knowledge sharing, policy dialogue and strategic partnerships aimed at addressing the unique educational challenges facing underserved communities while promoting sustainable solutions for quality education across Lagos State.

Other panelists expected at the programme include Executive Director of SEEDS Care and Support Foundation, Olarenwaju Onitiyitan; Chief Executive Officer of Gotocourse, Dr. Success Ojo; and Founder of Street to School, Oluwatosin Taiwo.

The organisers expressed confidence that the programme would contribute significantly to strengthening education systems in informal settlements by empowering teachers, promoting innovation and fostering partnerships that support equitable access to quality education for every child.