December 3, 2022 By News Editor

Tokunbo Wahab: Commitment to Excellence and Grassroot Development

At the recently concluded Lagos State Education Summit 2022, experts applauded the fit-for-purpose education system initiative of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s Administration. They also agreed on the need for best brains to tenaciously implement the initiative for the purpose of achieving the set socio-economic development objectives. Nigeria’s development is tied to investments and efficiency of initiatives in the education sector.

Barrister Tokunbo Wahab, the Special Adviser on Education to Lagos State Governor has been cited for providing exemplary leadership of the education sector’s reform in Lagos State. Speaking on the disaggregated data for education across Nigeria’s 36 States as indexed by Africa Signal 2022 Editorial Board Education for All (ASEB – EFA) Programme, Advocacy Director Eucharia Amachree noted Lagos as “Most Performing”, and achievements could be directly traced to Tokunbo Wahab’s leadership of the reform process in the tertiary education subsector.

Amachree explained that Lagos was able to merge Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education and Michael Otedola College of Primary Education as Lagos State University of Education in record time without being slowed down by labour crisis, welfare issues, loss of job and such others. Lagos State Polytechnic Ikorodu equally became Lagos State University of Science and Technology in same manner, and both institutions have been properly accredited by the National Universities Commission.

Barrister Tokunbo is a resilient technocrat who appreciates the need for youths’ capacity development and has provided useful support for several laudable initiatives within and outside government.

Speaking with our correspondent earlier, Tokunbo highlighted the relevance of Lagos State University of Science and Technology to industrial hubs in Nigeria and West Africa, African Continental Free Trade Agreement and transiting Lagos into a knowledge economy. He also hinted at the possibility of creating a private Foundation for Further Growth, and integrating with the University of London’s special collection of academic programs.

 

The Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Education currently serves as a pillar of Sanwo-Olu’s Cabinet. Under his focused supervision, Lagos has evolved as an epicenter of sustainable development. He believes in providing training and global networking opportunities as incentives for teachers, synchronizing vocational training, and has been definitive about ensuring graduates of Lagos education system could excel as preferred candidates in all walks of life.

Tokunbo studied Mass Communications at Ogun State Polytechnic, and Law at the University of Benin. He fought against the Military and championed the cause of Democracy at UNIBEN as the Student Union Leader to reclaim MKO Abiola Hope-93 mandate. He was physically assaulted in April 1994 and detained for several months over the struggle. He is an Alumnus of Harvard Kennedy School of Government and the Wharton University of Pennsylvania.

Before his appointment into public service, he was a Partner at Wall and Ace, a distinguished firm of legal practitioners with extensive experience crossing all borders of the Legal Practice. Prior to that engagement, he worked with Paul Usoro (SAN) & Co, and Aluko & Oyebode firms of Legal Practitioners. He co-drafted the Nigerian Communications Law and Enforcement Regulations, and also served on the Presidential Information, Communication, and Technology (ICT) Strategic Action Plan Committee for the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). He is an effective mobilizer of people and resources, a man of faith, distinguished member of the ruling All Progressives Congress, and philanthropist with an enviable commitment to grassroot development.

Special Adviser Tokunbo Wahab believes education is the bedrock of any society, and it is reflected by capacity development and infrastructure that enables people to make their environment a great place for work, play and living. Lagos State Government has performed above common expectations in the education sector, providing opportunities for marginalized communities and empowering public and private schools at all levels.

A good man stays true to his heart, respect others and values life. Albert Einstein once said “the value of a man should be seen in what he gives and not in what he is able to receive”. Character traits common to good men include faithfulness, dependability, kindness, moral integrity, patience and care. The real man smiles in trouble, gathers strength from distress, and grows brave by reflection.

Tokunbo Wahab reflects all the qualities of a good man, and it is instructive that His Excellency Governor Sanwo-Olu and the people of Lagos State equally appreciate his contributions to excellence and grassroot development.

 

 

Samuel Odebowale, mnipr nuj (Managing Editor)