The Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy has unveiled the EmpowerAbility Hub at Ikeja Senior High School. This initiative aligns with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES+ development agenda, particularly focusing on the “+” which stands for inclusion. The hub is a capstone project by the Academy’s Team Empower Group and is designed to support students of all physical abilities with a digitally equipped learning environment.
The launch event, held at one of Lagos State’s inclusive secondary schools, featured the donation of key educational equipment, including laptops and interactive whiteboards. The initiative reinforces the state’s emphasis on technology in education and represents a tangible step towards accessible digital learning for all.
Speaking at the event, Team Lead of the Empower Group, Teniola Hassan, said, “The hub is more than just a physical space. It is a transformative commitment to inclusive learning. We created it to provide a digitally equipped, accessible learning environment where all students, regardless of physical ability, could thrive.”
She further explained that beyond the hub, her team organized a two-day training for teachers to strengthen their capacity in inclusive education strategies. “This initiative speaks directly to the THEMES+ agenda of Lagos State—especially the Education and Technology pillar—and the ‘+’ which stands for inclusion. We are ensuring that no group is left behind,” Hassan said.
The teacher training introduced innovative tools such as speech-to-text applications, hearing loops, and the concept of Deaf Architecture, which focuses on visibility and clear sightlines within classrooms. Hassan noted that “One of our partners from Access Tech encouraged that sign language be taught in all schools to bridge the communication gap.”
She added that the second day of the workshop focused on AI and Practical Tools for Inclusive Learning, with teachers being trained on AI-powered captioning, adaptive learning platforms, and the use of interactive whiteboards. “We have installed interactive boards and projectors in every senior class and trained teachers on their use. This is just the beginning. With more funding, we hope to expand our reach and deepen our impact,” she said.
The Executive Secretary of the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy, Ayisat Agbaje-Okunade, commended the fellows for their commitment. She said, “Through the efforts of our fellows, we now have a vibrant, inclusive digital learning environment, complete with interactive boards and a suite of laptops that will enhance teaching and promote equal access for all students.”
Agbaje-Okunade also officially launched the EmpowerAbility Young Leaders Club, a new platform to nurture leadership skills among students. “This club will provide mentorship and tools for students to lead with empathy and courage in their schools and communities,” she said.
Also present at the event was the Managing Director of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbedegesin, who praised the project for addressing the inclusivity aspect of the THEMES+ agenda. “This initiative will help the students learn better. The programme speaks directly to the ‘+’ in Governor Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES+ Agenda, which means no one should be left behind. We are here to support the Academy and encourage the students to achieve and become the best they can be,” he said. “There is ability in every disability. So no matter who you are, there is going to be an opportunity for you in Lagos State.”
Representing the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), Director of Admin and HR, Mrs. Omolade Shonubi, acknowledged the initiative as a big win for inclusivity. “This initiative is about inclusion. We are happy that they considered and remembered LASODA. THEMES+ Agenda ensures nobody is left behind. We are happy that LASODA is not left behind in this project. I want to use this opportunity to thank Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy for doing such a large project and including the disability,” she said.
Both the EmpowerAbility Hub and the Young Leaders Club align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially those focused on quality education and reduced inequalities. They reflect the continued effort by Lagos State to ensure equal learning opportunities and promote a supportive academic environment for every student, regardless of ability.
The event attracted education stakeholders across the state and showcased the power of collaboration among government institutions, development partners, and academic organizations in creating inclusive learning solutions. The initiative also promotes high-impact digital learning tools and supports the broader goal of transforming education through innovation.
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