Some education stakeholders have clamoured for turning some old schools in Lagos State into tourist attraction sites
Some of the schools visited are St. Thomas Anglican Nursery and Primary School, established in 1845 in Badagry, CMS Grammar School in Bariga, Lagos founded on June 6, 1859, and the Satellite Secondary School, Ojo established by the Lagos State Government in 1981.
In Badagry, it was gathered that St. Thomas Anglican Nursery and Primary School is assumed to be the first in Nigeria, was established in 1845.
Mrs Margaret Bull, the Headmistress of the school disclosed that the oldest primary school in Nigeria, Bishop Crowder LGA Primary school, was founded in 1843 in Badagry.
Bull, however, said that the school, founded by Rev. Golmer of the Church Missionary Society (CMS), was later renamed St. Thomas Anglican Nursery and Primary School in 1845.
She said that being the oldest primary school in the country, the structures could be rehabilitated and turn it to a tourist attraction site.
The Headmistress, however, expressed discontentment over the neglect of the classrooms, building and the entire environment.
“The St. Thomas Anglican nursery and primary school, being the first, is an important aspect of the nation’s history and should be taken care of.
“The location, where the first structure of the school took-off, must be put in standard shape to attract tourists.
“The building is an important aspect of Nigeria history and, therefore, our government should renovate the structures which are dilapidated.
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“Turning the school site into a tourist centre will be wonderful, as generations after generations can extensively visit the place and see the foundation site of the first primary school in Nigeria,’’ Bull said.
The headmistress also said that the school was yet to enjoy the attention of its alumni.
According to her, only Mr Babatunde Hunpe, the lawmaker representing, Badagry Federal Constituency and an alumnus, provided a gate for the school.
