Tokunbo Philip Wahab, the Special Adviser on Education to the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwoolu was Sunday, September 26, 2021, honored as the Government Official of the Year at the Excellence Recognition Awards’ 17th edition in Lagos.

The affable, hardworking legal practitioner was recognized for the giant strides that have been recorded in the education sector in Lagos State since his appointment by the governor in 2019.

Indeed, it is an honor well deserved for Barrister Wahab or TW as he is fondly called by those close to him. Some of the indelible footprint recorded since his assumption of office include the ongoing Lagos State University, LASU hostel project in Epe, the recognition of LASU as a top 600 school in the world and number two in Nigeria, the upgrade of the Lagos State College of Nursing, LASCON facilities. LASU currently rank second in Nigeria and 501 to 600 in the world. This was according to the Times Higher Education World Ranking released in September 2021. Earlier in the year, the school had ranked as the best Young University

in Nigeria, as released by same Times Higher Education, THE.

Also, one of his initiatives that have also continued to garner applause is the Eko Digital Initiative which is aimed at guaranteeing access to modern/technological resources that will foster learning at primary, secondary and tertiary institutions across the state. He also initiated the upgrading and digitalization of libraries in different locations, including the remote areas in Lagos.

Other ongoing projects under his watch include commissioning of library/ICT centres across Lagos State secondary schools, ongoing construction of administrative buildings at Lagos State Polytechnic, LASPOTECH, Isolo, ongoing construction of LASU/eConnel Business School in Victoria Island, ongoing construction of 8,700 bed space for students of LASU and the upgrading of LASPOTECH, Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, AOCOED, Ijanikin and Micheal Otedola College of Primary Education, MOCPED, Epe to university of Technology and university education.

His resourcefulness and mantra of having a digital approach to education, which will make our products able to compete favorably anywhere in the world has continued to endear him to close watchers of the education sector in Lagos..

Receiving the award, Mr. Wahab thanked the organizers of the awards, Global Excellence magazine and its publisher, Mr. Mayor Akinpelu and dedicated the award to God, his family and the Governor of Lagos State. He further stated that being called to serve is an honor and thanked Governor Babajide Sanwoolu for counting him worthy to be on his team out of the millions of Lagosians who are also qualified to serve the people.

Ganzallo Victor, an entrepreneur, PR expert and media executive writes from Lagos, Nigeria