Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, has called for a comprehensive reform of Nigeria’s secondary education system to better equip students with the skills required for today’s workplace and leadership demands.
Speaking at the 80th anniversary celebration of Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo, Dr. Hamzat, an alumnus of the school, emphasised the importance of aligning secondary education with real-world needs. He noted that the current system must evolve to serve as a foundation for leadership development and national progress.
“We need to rethink, reinvest, and reimagine secondary education. It must become the new chamber of leadership formation,” he said.
Addressing stakeholders including educators, parents, government officials, private sector leaders, and alumni, Dr. Hamzat urged collective action to transform secondary schools into platforms for national renewal.
Reflecting on the legacy of Olivet Baptist High School, he said, “The real impact of Olivet lies not just in the number of students it has produced, but in the leadership, service, and societal change its graduates continue to bring. From public service and diplomacy to private enterprise and academia, Olivet alumni are playing key roles in shaping Nigeria’s future.”
He described the anniversary as a timely opportunity to reignite commitment to quality education and leadership development. “Let this celebration inspire us to invest in the next 80 years—to build a generation even more impactful than ours,” he added.
Speaking on the theme, “The Impact of Secondary School Education in Building Future Leaders”, the deputy governor highlighted the critical role of this stage in shaping values, building character, and preparing students for leadership.
“Secondary education is not just a bridge between childhood and adulthood. It is a place where young people begin to understand their responsibilities, develop a sense of civic duty, and envision the world not just as it is, but as it could be,” he said.
He fondly recalled his time at Olivet, describing it as a formative period where academic knowledge was blended with discipline, resilience, and lifelong friendships. “This school didn’t just educate us—it shaped us.”
In his remarks, the National President of the Olivet Old Students Association, Dr. Wale Okediran, praised the school for its steady rise as a symbol of academic excellence, sporting achievements, and social impact over the past eight decades.
He said Olivet has become a benchmark in inter-school competitions and educational projects nationwide.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Olusegun Ahmadu, called on Oyo State Governor, Mr. Seyi Makinde, to consider reviving boarding facilities in the state’s schools, highlighting their role in student development and discipline.
