Lagos State Agency for Mass Education

LAGOS SAME HOLDS 2026 STAKEHOLDERS'
FORUM ON CONTINUING EDUCATION OPERATIONS IN LAGOS STATE

On 20th May 2026, the Lagos State Agency for Mass Education organized a Stakeholders’ Forum on Continuing Education with the theme: “Expanding Reach, Securing Futures: Advancing Safe and Inclusive Access in Continuing Education.” The programme brought together Continuing Education Centre (CEC) operators, education stakeholders and government representatives to deliberate on strategies for improving access, safety, and inclusiveness in continuing education across Lagos State.

In her welcome address, the Head of the Agency, Mrs. Oluwakemi Kalesanwo, emphasized that expanding access to education must go hand in hand with ensuring safety, equity, and inclusiveness. She stressed that every learner, regardless of gender, age, socio-economic background, physical ability, or geographical location, deserves a secure, supportive, and empowering learning environment. She further reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to providing accessible educational opportunities for all learners in Lagos State.

Speaking at the forum, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tertiary Education, Mr. Waheed Kasali, noted that the role of Continuing Education Centre (CEC) operators in providing learning opportunities to willing learners cannot be overemphasized. He further stressed that they should not merely be regarded as CEC operators but as CEC consultants, considering their significant contributions to educational development and lifelong learning.

The forum featured three technical sessions. The first session, presented by Prof. Blessing Anyikwa, focused on “Expanding Access and Strengthening Inclusion in Continuing Education Programmes.” The second session was delivered by Builder Babajide Oyedele on “Navigating Building Integrity Test Challenges: Best Practices and Lessons Learned.” The final session was a wellness sensitization talk presented by Mrs. Giwa Yetunde. The programme also featured an interactive question-and-answer session, where participants made valuable contributions and explored ways to strengthen collaboration for effective continuing education operations in Lagos State.

On 12th May 2026, the Agency for Mass Education organised a Stakeholder Engagement Forum on Mass Literacy with the theme: “Consolidating Adult Literacy Gains for Inclusive Social and Economic Development.”

The Director of the Agency, Mrs. Oluwakemi Kalesanwo, commended the facilitators for their contributions towards eradicating illiteracy in Lagos State and also encouraged them to improve in areas where more effort is needed.

The forum featured three technical sessions:

The first session was presented by Prof. Jola Okebiorun on the topic: “Promoting Functional Adult Literacy as a Catalyst for Inclusive Social Development.”
The second presentation was delivered by Mrs. Giwa Yetunde on the topic: “Wellness and Productivity in Adult Learning Programmes.”
The third presentation was given by Prof. Hussein Adedeji on the topic: “Leveraging Adult Literacy for Economic Growth, Entrepreneurship, and Sustainable Livelihood.”

The programme also welcomed questions and answers from various stakeholders who attended the event.

The following pictures were taken during the event.

LAGOS SAME HOLDS 2026 STAKEHOLDERS’ FORUM ON NON-FORMAL VOCATIONAL TRAINING

The Lagos State Agency for Mass Education, under the Ministry of Tertiary Education, held its 2026 Stakeholders’ Forum on Non-Formal Vocational Training on May 5, 2026, in Ikeja. The event focused on empowering out-of-school youth and unskilled adults through vocational training, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

The forum brought together NGOs, vocational trainers, government officials, community leaders and other stakeholders to discuss ways to strengthen vocational education and improve skills acquisition opportunities. Director of the Agency, Mrs. Oluwakemi Kalesanwo, said the annual forum promotes collaboration, instructional improvement, and stronger partnerships to advance non-formal education in Lagos State.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tertiary Education, Mr. Kasali Adeniran, praised the initiative, noting that it supports Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES Plus Agenda by promoting inclusion and sustainable opportunities for residents.

The programme featured three sessions:

Dr. Jola Okebiorun spoke on improving vocational training through stronger instructor capacity, addressing challenges such as financial constraints, out-of-school children, and self-doubt after skill acquisition.

Mrs. Foluso Ogunjinmi (“SOKOYOKOTO”) discussed how vocational skills can lead to entrepreneurship and self-reliance, sharing her personal journey as an MC.

Mrs. Silifat Yetunde Giwa focused on mental health, wellness, and self-awareness as key to personal and professional growth.

The event concluded with calls for continued collaboration and sustainable strategies to empower residents through vocational education and entrepreneurship.