When Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu became the Governor of Lagos State in 2019, he did not mince words about his plans to begin a transformational journey in the state’s education sector. To him, the sector must undergo infrastructural and capacity overhaul which must reflect in teaching method and performance of the pupils and students, hence Education was part of the T.H.E.M.E.S+ agenda of the governor.
Laying the bedrock of a transformational educational journey is one of the many programmes of the Sanwo-Olu administration: EKOEXCEL EkoExcel. This programme has dramatically accelerated student literacy and numeracy performance through results achieved by EKOEXCEL schools compared with their peers in traditional schools.
Since its introduction in 2019, the programme has consistently set new standards in educational excellence and equity, providing a strong foundation for pupils to excel in high-stake examinations such as the Lagos State Model College Screening Test (LMCST) and the National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE).
Chairman of the state Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Hakeem Babatunde Shittu said that the 2024 high-stakes examination season marked a remarkable achievement for EKOEXCEL.
This year, 496 pupils participated in both the LMCST and NCEE, a substantial increase compared to the 77 pupils tracked in the 2022-23 academic session.
The SUBEB boss noted that the growth in participation is a testament to the programme’s widespread acceptance, impactful outreach, and stakeholder engagement efforts that have elevated awareness about the importance of these examinations.
Shittu said: “The performances of EKOEXCEL pupils in both the LMCST and NCEE in 2024 were nothing short of outstanding. In the NCEE, EKOEXCEL’s top performer, Taiwo Abdullahi Isola, from Edward Blyden School, Lagos Island, scored an impressive 186 out of 210, achieving an exceptional score of 88.5 per cent. Similarly, Oviawe Peace Oghomwenyemwen from Isolo and Enoch Mercy Longwat from Abijo, Ibeju Lekki, scored 181 (86 per cent), showcasing the consistent excellence that has become synonymous with EKOEXCEL.
“The LMCST results also saw stellar performances, with pupils such as Idris Abdul-Azees Taiwo from Anglican Ogudu-KO-LA and Obasi Emmanuel Chimnadindu from Vetland-II-LA securing first place with 77 per cent, demonstrating the programme’s impact to providing quality education that enables pupils to excel across board through the methodical approach to preparing pupils for these examinations in a strategic and data-driven way.
“In the lead-up to the examinations, EKOEXCEL facilitated extra classes and provided all necessary preparatory materials to enhance pupils’ readiness. Mock examinations were also organised to familiarise pupils with the examination format and conditions, helping to boost their confidence and predict performance outcomes.
“These preparatory efforts resulted in a significant proportion of pupils achieving above-average scores. The 2024 results highlight a positive trajectory in pupil performance and programme reach.
“Building on the successes from 2022, where EKOEXCEL witnessed a notable achievement with 38 pupils participating in high-stakes examinations, culminating in 13 admissions into Federal Unity Colleges, this year’s results signify growth and greater impact”.
The SUBEB boss further said: “The increase to 73 pupils participating in various high-stakes examinations, with 50 per cent of the candidates scoring 70 per cent and above in the NCEE, demonstrates the scalability and sustained effectiveness of the EkoExcel methodology.
“Since its inception in 2019 under the visionary leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, EKOEXCEL has continuously aimed to redefine public education in Lagos by incorporating technology, innovative teaching methods, and rigorous teacher training programmes”.
The programme has not only bridged the educational gap but has also paved the way for the state to become a leader in education reform across Nigeria. Shittu also emphasised the commitment of SUBEB to keep the stakes high and make EkoExcel a reference point through performance and quality in the new academic session.
“As EKOEXCEL prepares for the next academic session, the programme is committed to maintaining and enhancing these achievements by implementing targeted strategies such as early sensitisation of stakeholders, pre-selection tests, and continuous preparatory support for pupils. This holistic approach is designed to ensure that more pupils achieve even greater success in future high-stakes examinations.
“The positive performance of EKOEXCEL pupils in the 2024 high-stakes examinations reaffirms the program’s impact over the past five years. As Lagos State continues to raise the bar for public education, the results are clear: EKOEXCEL is not just a programme – it’s a movement towards educational excellence, inclusivity, and opportunity for all”, he explained.
What else can one add. There is Indeed evidence to show when the leadership is working with a template that is solution driven .
Let our children continue to excel in a greater Lagos that is rising!
