A former minister of works and housing, Adeseye Ogunlewe, says a lot still needs to be done in the education sector in Lagos, despite a noticeable improvement in standard.

Mr Ogunlewe said this in an interview with journalists on Sunday in Lagos.

He spoke on the sidelines of the foundation laying of a 100-student capacity hostel at Lagos State Civil Service Model College, Igbogbo.

The former minister said there was a need for the government to distribute free textbooks, exercise books and writing materials to every student, to support them.

“Basic education should be total and complete responsibility of government.

“Though the standard of education in Lagos state has increased, there is a lot that needs to be done.

“Free textbooks, exercise books and writing materials should be distributed as part of the government’s intervention to students,” Mr Ogunlewe said.

He said that such action by the state government would reduce out -of- school children.

The ex-minister also urged government to intensify school farming to mitigate shortage of food and reduce prices of farm produce as was done in the past.

Speaking on the hostel, he said the family donated it so that the principal, teachers and any National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member deployed would have accommodation within the school premises, for effective service delivery.

Mr Ogunlewe enjoined the alumni of different schools to support in the management and maintenance of their infrastructure, as it was not a job for government alone to handle.

“The school land was donated by our great father for colonial and teacher training college.

“Thereafter, it turned into a civil service model college, but they don’t have enough accommodation for students, teachers and the principal.

“That is why my family decided to build the hostel for the school in celebration of our great icons, to uplift education in the community,” he said.

The hostel was donated in remembrance of two icons of the Fadugba-Ogunlewe royal families of Igbogbo kingdom.

The families celebrated the 50 years remembrance of the first traditional ruler of Igbogbo kingdom, late Oba Festus Ogunlewe (Fadugba 2) and 76 years remembrance of late Amos Ogunlewe.

(NAN)