In response to recent declines in students’ performance on the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and other external exams, the Lagos State Government has launched the “Eko Learner” initiative.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the comprehensive program aims to enhance secondary school students’ academic performance across the state by providing quality learning resources and exam preparation support.
Commissioner for Tertiary Education Tolani Alli-Balogun announced the initiative on Thursday during a Ministerial Press Briefing, stating that the ministry is taking deliberate steps to address the issue.
The Eko Learner program will deliver televised lectures on Lagos Television (LTV), with proficient teachers—selected through a rigorous process—covering subjects like English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Economics, Government, History, Literature-in-English, and Yoruba.
The “Eko Learner” initiative is scheduled to commence in January 2025, featuring 26 weeks of 30-minute episodes designed to support Lagos State secondary school students in their academic journey.
These episodes will be archived for easy access by both students and teachers, ensuring maximum utility of this valuable educational resource.
Alli-Balogun acknowledged Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s efforts to alleviate the financial burden on parents through the state’s free education programme, which includes covering examination fees.
To date, 56,134 students have been registered as beneficiaries of the 2025 WAEC free registration, while the government paid N1,577,794,000 for the examination fees of 58,188 students who took the 2024 WASSCE.
Reiterating the Sanwo-Olu administration’s dedication to educational excellence, Alli-Balogun outlined several strategies aimed at improving students’ performance on internal and external exams such as WAEC, JAMB, and NABTEB.
These include holding strategic meetings with principals across the six education districts and promoting high-achieving students exclusively to terminal classes.
“We’ve also advocated for the revival of school activities that stimulate students’ natural learning abilities and overall development,” said Alli-Balogun.
He added that the government has begun implementing interactive learning strategies—such as experiments, hands-on projects, and creative activities in arts, music, and drama—while also reviving physical and health education programmes to foster teamwork and discipline.
“This approach allows students to take ownership of their learning by leading clubs, projects, and other interest-based initiatives. Reviving these activities will provide a more holistic education that prepares students for success in all areas of life,” he said.
As part of the policy changes, Alli-Balogun announced that school principals and vice principals must now teach for six and eight periods per week respectively, and this must be reflected in school timetables.
Furthermore, the Office of Education Quality Assurance (OEQA) has been tasked with submitting unaltered reports on cases of truancy, absenteeism, sexual misconduct, negligence, and other inappropriate behaviors by teachers.
He stressed that any teacher found guilty of immoral conduct, examination malpractice, or encouraging mediocrity will be sanctioned in line with existing laws.
“In line with global best practices, we have also reviewed the existing education laws and the 2018 Education Policy to reflect current realities in the sector,” the Commissioner added.
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