Mr Orunsolu Adebayo, the Director/ Registrar of Lagos State Examinations Board (LSEB), has declared that the foundation of a prosperous and self-sufficient nation lies in its ability to equip its citizens, not just with academic credentials, but with practical, hands-on skills that foster innovation, independence, and wealth creation.
The LSEB boss averred that in today’s rapidly evolving world, education must transcend the traditional boundaries of note learning and theoretical knowledge, stressing that skill acquisition in basic education matters.
Adebayo spoke at a one-day seminar/workshop, for accessors from public and private approved Junior Secondary Schools across the state, put together by LSEB.
The theme of the workshop was: “Skill Acquisition in Basic Education as a Panacea for Entrepreneurial Skills in Nation Building.”
The LSEB boss, represented by the Director of the Public Service Department, Mr Oluyemi Adesina, noted that the state recognizes that “The future belongs to those who are not only educated but also skilled.
“It is no longer sufficient for our young minds to learn merely for certification; rather, they must acquire skills that enable them to create jobs, solve problems, and contribute meaningfully to the economic progress of our great nation.”
Describing the subject matter as pivotal to the development of our nation, Adebayo maintained that Entrepreneurship “Is the driving force behind national development. Nations that prioritize entrepreneurship experience higher productivity, employment rates, and global competitiveness. By integrating skill acquisition into basic education.
“The role of Lagos State Examinations Board as the body responsible for ensuring standardisation in assessments, we have taken active steps to promote a curriculum that incorporates practical skill training within the basic education system. We prepare ourselves to become job creators rather than job seekers.
Adebayo assured Lagosians that the state examinations would go beyond theoretical testing to assessing students’ practical competencies, thus ensuring that learning is impact-driven.
Towards this end, Adebayo announced that the Exams Board has partnered with various organizations to provide vocational training opportunities for students, making sure they are equipped with skills that align with emerging global industries
“This will strengthen our workforce and position Lagos State as a hub of innovation, enterprise, and economic strength.
“As we move forward, let us remember that a nation’s greatest asset is its human capital. By equipping our young learners with the skills needed to thrive in an entrepreneurial world, we are securing a future that is self-reliant, prosperous, and globally competitive.
“Lagos State remains committed to building generational leaders, and with the support of all stakeholders, we will make this vision a reality,” Adebayo assured.
Speaking with our correspondent at the side of the seminar, the Director of test Development, Administration and Certificate, TEDAC, Mrs Lajumoke Fadeke, explained that the workshop was put together “To train Practical Accessors that are billed to monitor BECE practical 2025 Examinations.”
The three phases for the practical examinations, according to Lajumoke, are: Pre-Vocational Studies, Cultural Basic Arts and Basic Science and Technology.
“We want them to understand the specific things to look out for during BECE practical Exams.
“We have equipped the Accessors for specific things to look out for during practical BECE Examinations exercise”, Lajumoke stated.
No fewer than 500 participants drawn from public and private approved Junior Secondary Schools and staff of LSEB attended the workshop, which includes; the Director (BECE), Mrs. Oluwatoyin Oyedele, Director (placement), Mrs.Titilayo Efekodo, Director ( Admin & Human Resources), Mr. Olawale Alausa, Director ( Special Duties), Mr. Peter Adefioye and other LSEB’s principal officers.
