From left: Representative of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Establishment and Training, Mr Dele Balogun; representative of General Manager, Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), Mrs Sonubi Adeola; Executive Secretary, Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy, Ayisat Agbaje-Okunade; Managing Director, Lagos Waste Management Authority, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin and Director Programme and Project, Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy Alumni Council, Stephen Onah, during the official Launch of Our Capstone Project EmpowerAbility Hub in Lagos on Wednesday.
LATEEF JAKANDE ACADEMY FELLOWS UNVEIL ‘EMPOWERABILITY HUB’
•Donate equipment to special school for inclusive digital learning
In a bold stride toward inclusive education and digital equity in line with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration’s THEMES+ developmental agenda, Fellows of the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy have launched the EmpowerAbility Hub at Ikeja Senior High School, one of Lagos State’s inclusive secondary schools.
The initiative, a capstone project of the Academy’s Team Empower Group, is aimed at creating a digitally equipped and accessible learning environment where students of all physical abilities can thrive.
Speaking during the launching of EmpowerAbility and presentation of equipment to the students, the Team Lead, Teniola Hassan, explained that the hub is more than just a physical space, noting that it represents a transformative commitment to inclusive learning.
She said her team created the hub to provide a digitally equipped, accessible learning environment where all students, regardless of physical ability, could thrive.
Hassan said aside from the hub, it organised a two-day training for teachers focusing on foundational strategies for inclusive education.
“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.
“As part of the project, the group also organised a two-day training for teachers on foundational strategies for inclusive education. The sessions introduced cutting-edge tools like speech-to-text apps, hearing loops, and the concept of Deaf Architecture, which emphasises classroom visibility and clear sightlines.
“One of our partners from Access Tech encouraged that sign language be taught in all schools to bridge the communication gap.
“On the second day, focus shifted to AI and Practical Tools for Inclusive Learning. Teachers were introduced to AI-powered captioning tools, interactive whiteboards, and adaptive learning platforms tailored to diverse learning needs.
“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.
In her goodwill message, the Executive Secretary of the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy, Ayisat Agbaje-Okunade, lauded the fellows’ efforts, saying through the commitment of the Academy fellows, they had created a vibrant, inclusive digital learning environment, equipped with interactive boards and a suite of laptops designed to enhance teaching, personalised learning, and promote equal access for all students.
She also announced the official launch of the EmpowerAbility Young Leaders Club, a platform designed to nurture the next generation of compassionate and visionary student leaders. “This club will provide mentorship and tools for students to lead with empathy and courage in their schools and communities,” she said.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbedegesin, said the initiative will help them to learn better, noting that the programme of the group addressed the ‘+’ in the Sanwo-Olu THEMES+ Agenda on inclusivity, which means no one should be left behind.
“We are here to support the Academy and to encourage the young students so that they can achieve and become the best that they can be. There is ability in every disability. So no matter who you are, there is going to be an opportunity for you in Lagos State,” he said.
The Director of Admin and HR of the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), Mrs Omolade Shonubi, said: “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.
Both the EmpowerAbility Hub and Young Leaders Club align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and reaffirm Lagos State’s pledge to equitable education under the THEMES+ Agenda.
The event drew commendation from education stakeholders and reinforces the potential of public-private-academic collaboration in transforming inclusive learning environments.
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