• Phone: +2347010609060
  • Email: info@ojfalana.com

OJ's Impact

The youngest person to ever sit on the Board of Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board.

Mr. Owolabi Jamiu Falana was appointed in August, 2022 by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to serve as Board Member in charge of Basic Education Quality Assurance, Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board.

At Lagos SUBEB, following Mr. Governor's footsteps of efficient service delivery, he has been able to achieve the following;

1. He spearheaded the comprehensive assessment of all 20 Local Government Education Authorities across Lagos State, delivering on-the-spot solutions to challenges and providing practicable recommendations for executive consideration. A first by any board member.

2. He led his team to successfully actualize the digitalization and transition program of EKO EXCEL to Basic Education Quality Assurance (BEQA) Department, to ensure the sustainability of the Lagos State Government's significant investment in the basic education sector.

3. He successfully trained over 200 officers on critical areas like Record Keeping, School Management, and Effective Monitoring, contributing to overall educational improvements.

4. Imagine that one man set out to visit a hundred schools across Lagos State. Imagine he is doing that to get a factual assessment of the state of things and to help policy formulation in the primary education sector. Come out of the realm of imagination for a bit – this is reality and that is why the OJ Falana journey is inspiring: the youngest permanent board member at the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB). He embarked on an extraordinary mission — a quest to visit 100 primary schools in Lagos. But this wasn’t merely a perfunctory check; it was an immersive journey, a genuine exploration of the educational terrain that would shape the future policies of SUBEB.

The grandeur of the initiative reached every nook and cranny of Lagos, transcending boundaries and leaving an indelible mark on each visited local government. Falana led by example, ensuring the tour was not just a perfunctory exercise but an immersive experience. From traditional leaders’ visits to engaging in assemblies, he demonstrated a commitment to understanding the nuances of each educational hub.

Mr Falana did not embark on this monumental task alone. The success of the #100SchoolsVisit was a testament to the collaborative spirit that thrives within Lagos. The Lagos Waterways and Ferry Services played a pivotal role, ensuring the team crossed aquatic boundaries safely. The media, both external and internal teams, added flair to the initiative, broadcasting the journey and its impact far and wide

5. The Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB) and the British Council have launched the Strengthening Teachers’ English Proficiency (STEP) Training to improve the English skills of 2,000 primary school teachers. The opening ceremony, held at the LASUBEB Multipurpose Hall, which was hosted by Mr. Owolabi Falana, was attended by key officials, including Commissioner Jamiu Alli-Balogun, LASUBEB Chairman Dr. Hakeem Shittu, and British Council representatives.

Alli-Balogun highlighted Lagos State’s commitment to innovative education, including upgrading colleges of education to university standards. Dr. Shittu and Hon. Owolabi Jamiu Falana emphasized the program’s role in enhancing teacher quality and preparing students for a globalized world.

6. The Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) launched its first Strengthening Mathematics and Science Education (SMASE) Initiative Day on December 12, 2023, at the SUBEB Multipurpose Hall, Maryland. Led by Mr. Owolabi Jamiu Falana, the event aimed to enhance STEM education through teacher training, innovative teaching methods, and hands-on learning experiences.

Highlights included a quiz competition, cultural displays, and a science exhibition. Over 200 attendees, including educators and government officials, participated. Organizers plan to expand future editions, involving more stakeholders to further improve education in Lagos.

7. The Annual BEQA Officers’ Retreat 2024 was held at Jubilee Challets Epe. The event was chaired by Lagos SUBEB Chairman Shittu Hakeem and hosted by Mr. Owolabi Jamiu. The retreat focused on seven key areas: ethics, report writing, monitoring, technology, quality assurance, financial management, and exercise.

It featured technical sessions, awards, and recreational activities, with facilitators from Lagos State University and the education ministry. Hakeem praised BEQA officials for their dedication, emphasizing their role in advancing basic education. Key sessions covered ethics, global education quality assurance, technology integration, and data analysis.