Lagos To Prioritise Merit-based Leadership & Strategic Teacher Recruitment

These sweeping reforms, unveiled by the Commissioner for Education, Mr. Tolani Alli-Balogun, during the Lagos State 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing held on Thursday at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, underscored Mr. Governor’s unwavering commitment to educational excellence.

The Commissioner emphasised that a key pillar of the initiative is a decisive shift towards a merit-based system for the appointment of Principals and Vice Principals. He stated that TESCOM has moved away from traditional practices and has commenced the implementation of rigorous evaluation processes to ensure that only the most capable and deserving educators assume leadership roles.

According to him, the commitment to merit was recently validated by the successful deployment of Computer-Based Tests (CBT) during the latest leadership appointment exercises, guaranteeing transparency and objectivity in the selection process. Furthermore, he announced a targeted and rigorous recruitment drive aimed at securing highly qualified teachers in critical Science, Technology, English, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) subjects.

This strategic focus, he said, directly addresses the evolving demands of the 21st-century workforce and aims to equip Lagos State students with the essential skills for future success.

Highlighting the government’s commitment to recognising and rewarding excellence within the teaching profession, Alli-Balogun announced the promotion of an impressive 5,976 teachers in Y2025. This significant number underscores the value placed on the dedication and professional growth of educators within the State.

In his words, “These strategic advancements, coupled with our new merit-based appointment protocols, represent a significant investment in the human capital that drives our secondary education system. These transformative initiatives are fully aligned with the Basic and Secondary Education Ministry’s vision for a robust and high-performing education sector, paving the way for a brighter and more promising future for all students in Lagos State.”