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Makoko pupils now have access to improved school facilities following a project designed to create better learning conditions in Lagos’ waterfront community.
Lagos —
Children attending public primary schools in Makoko, Lagos State, are set to benefit from improved classrooms, sanitation facilities, technology resources and recreational spaces following the completion of the first phase of a school improvement project.
Slum2School Africa commissioned the first phase of its Lagos Model Primary School Project on September 24, 2026. The intervention upgraded facilities serving three public primary schools in the waterfront community.
The beneficiary schools are Aiyetoro African Primary School, Adekunle Anglican Primary School and Makoko Anglican Primary School.
The project aims to improve the environment in which children learn. It also demonstrates how partnerships between government, private organisations and community stakeholders can support existing public schools.
According to a report published by The Guardian, the project was implemented in partnership with the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB) and the Lagos State Ministry of Education.
Classrooms and Learning Facilities Improved
The first phase included renovations and improvements to several parts of the school environment.
At Aiyetoro African Primary School, the project upgraded classrooms and provided facilities intended to support early childhood education and primary learning.
The school also received a library, a digital computer room and a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) innovation laboratory.
Other facilities include a music room, a sick bay and an enterprise development centre designed to support home economics and practical learning.
These resources can expose pupils to different areas of learning beyond traditional classroom lessons.
For example, a library can encourage children to read independently, while access to computers can help them develop basic digital skills. A STEM laboratory can also introduce pupils to science and technology through practical activities.
However, the availability of these facilities alone will not guarantee better academic performance. Teachers will need appropriate training, learning materials and regular support to make effective use of them.
The continued maintenance of the facilities will also be important.
Three Schools Benefit From Intervention
The project covers three public primary schools located within the Makoko community.
According to Slum2School Africa, 10 existing nursery and primary classrooms at Aiyetoro African Primary School were renovated and adapted to provide more suitable learning spaces. Another 12 primary classrooms were refurbished.
The improvements also extended to sanitation and water facilities.
The project included renovated toilets and a solar-powered borehole to improve access to water within the school environment.
These facilities are important because pupils need clean surroundings and reliable access to water to remain comfortable during the school day.
Poor sanitation can affect children’s health and attendance. It can also make school less welcoming, particularly for pupils who need suitable toilet facilities.
Therefore, improving classrooms without addressing sanitation would leave an important part of the learning environment unresolved.
The project also introduced recreational facilities, including a football pitch, multipurpose courts for basketball, volleyball and lawn tennis, and improved play areas.
These spaces can give pupils more opportunities to exercise, interact with classmates and develop teamwork.
Physical activities also help children balance classroom learning with recreation.
Partnerships Support Public Education
The Lagos Model Primary School Project is being implemented through cooperation between Slum2School Africa, government agencies and other development partners.
The partners involved in the first phase included LASUBEB, the Royal Norwegian Embassy, Ipsos Foundation, HP, Tritton, ESPN, the Lagos State Ministry of Education, Red Hot Concepts and Love.fútbol.
Their participation highlights the role that organisations outside government can play in supporting public education.
Public schools serve children from different backgrounds. However, some schools need additional infrastructure, technology and learning resources to provide a more supportive environment.
Partnerships can help mobilise resources for these needs while allowing government-owned schools to remain accessible to the public.
At the commissioning, education stakeholders and community representatives highlighted the importance of improving school facilities and creating better learning opportunities for children.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Folasade Tolulope Ogunsola, was among those who attended the event.
The project also attracted representatives of the Lagos State Government, education agencies and development organisations.
Their participation reflected the importance of cooperation in efforts to improve public education.
Why the Project Matters to Makoko
Makoko is a waterfront community where access to quality services remains an important issue for residents.
Improving public schools can help create a better learning environment for children who depend on government-owned institutions for basic education.
A well-equipped school can support teaching, encourage attendance and provide pupils with opportunities to explore their interests.
Nevertheless, school infrastructure is only one part of the challenge.
Children also need qualified teachers, relevant learning materials, supportive families and protection from abuse and discrimination.
Schools must also ensure that children with disabilities can access facilities and participate in classroom activities.
For this reason, the long-term value of the Makoko project will depend on how well the improved facilities meet pupils’ everyday needs.
Regular maintenance, reliable access to water and electricity, and the availability of teaching resources will remain essential.
Sustainability Remains Important
Slum2School Africa said the project was designed as a model that could be adapted to other public schools in Lagos and beyond.
Rather than focusing only on constructing new buildings, the approach involves identifying problems within existing schools and working with relevant partners to address them.
This model could help direct investment towards schools that need improvements while making better use of existing public infrastructure.
However, expanding the approach will require careful planning and sustained funding.
School authorities and partners must ensure that facilities remain functional after the initial investment. They should also monitor whether the improvements support attendance, participation and learning outcomes.
Community involvement will be important as well. Parents, teachers and local stakeholders can help identify emerging needs and encourage pupils to care for shared facilities.
The commissioning of the first phase marks an important step in improving the school environment in Makoko. The next challenge is to ensure that the facilities continue to serve pupils effectively.
Ultimately, the success of the project will depend not only on the quality of the renovated buildings but also on the learning opportunities children receive inside them.
