Radio TNT 102.5 FM

THE Lagos Government has said its partnership with Finland would provide opportunities for students and teachers to be trained and also gain access to employment prospects.

The Commissioner for Education, Mrs Folasade Adefisayo, disclosed this, according to a statement on Monday, during a sensitisation programme held in Alausa, Ikeja.

Adefisayo also revealed plans to increase the number of comprehensive schools across the state from 12 to 50 by September as part of efforts to equip secondary school students with technical skills.

She said, “We discovered and observed that out of every 10 students admitted to JS1, only three make it to SS3, while only one student will eventually excel at the transition examination. This has resulted in an increase in student dropouts in Lagos State, so we are integrating a new programme into the curriculum.

“The present administration has established partnerships with private and international institutions for training, internship opportunities and employment prospects for the students.

“A Memorandum of Understanding was recently signed by the Lagos State Government and the city of Tampere in Finland, and some of the teachers would get an opportunity to visit Finland to understudy a similar system.

“The students, under the programme, will be given a mobile tablet preloaded with their curriculum and starter kits to explore their interests and desired skills. Also, the best three students will be sponsored to Finland for more training and exposure.”

The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr Abayomi Abolaji, solicited the support of participants and stakeholders to ensure the success of the programme, noting that the state government has equipped the pilot schools with all necessary facilities to ensure the success of the new comprehensive school programme.