Lagos Rolls Out Free Textbooks for SS3 Students, Reaffirms Commitment to Quality Education

Funmi Ogundare

The Lagos State Government Tuesday flagged off the distribution of textbooks to Senior Secondary School Three (SS3)

students in its public schools, with the objective of ensuring access to learning materials and achieving quality education

across the state.

Speaking at the ceremony held at the Education Resource Centre, Lagos, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary

Education, Mr. Tolani Alli-Balogun, explained that the initiative underscores the state’s commitment to strengthening teaching and learning.

He noted that without students having access to the textbooks, education is incomplete.

He added that the initiative aligns directly with the state government’s commitment to free education.

“This is another element of the governor’s achievement,” he said. “Textbooks are being given to students in Lagos State,

majorly SS three students, and this is the first batch. Next year, we are going to procure more textbooks in Mathematics,

English and other syllabus-based subjects.”

He commended the teachers for their commitment and the impressive performance of students in recent examinations,

saying their dedication continues to place Lagos at the forefront.

“They are trying their best. In the last exam, they came first for their efforts, their energy and commitment,” he said, adding that more still needs to be done to sustain excellence.

Addressing students, the commissioner urged them to embrace discipline, curiosity and hard work, describing the current moment as a turning point.

Alii- Balogun encouraged them to study independently, seek clarification from their teachers as often as needed and remain respectful.

“If you are not clear about any topic, go to your teacher 1,000 times, but approach matters. Don’t be aggressive, be obedient

and submissive to your teachers and everything will work out fine,” he advised.

The commissioner appealed to teachers to take responsibility for safeguarding the newly distributed textbooks and ensuring they are properly used.

“Put them into use, preserve them and keep them in places where there won’t be any story,” he said, urging school principals to reinforce the same message.

He further commended principals for aligning with the state’s THEMES Plus agenda, especially its focus on education and technology.

He revealed that the government will soon roll out digital tablets for some SS3 students across all education districts. The devices, he noted, will be distributed on a proportional basis.

“Very soon, we are coming up with tabs for some of our SS three students. I’ll make sure it touches all education districts and  shared prorata among schools. If you are lucky to be one, I congratulate you in advance,” he added.

Speaking with journalists on the timing of the distribution, with schools set to vacate next week for the Christmas holiday, the commissioner explained that the delay resulted from the customisation process required on the books.

According to him, customising the textbooks with Lagos State markings and working with publishers takes considerable time.

“It is coming a little bit late, but never too late,” he said. “We deal with the authors so the books can carry Lagos State’s

identity,” he said.

With new textbooks and upcoming digital tools, Alli-Balogun expressed optimism about improved outcomes in the 2026

West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), saying the interventions are designed to help students study more effectively and perform better.