Folashade Adefisayo is a distinguished Nigerian educationist, administrator, and former public official. She is widely recognized for her extensive contributions to the education sector in Nigeria, particularly during her tenure as the Commissioner for Education in Lagos State from 2019 to 2023.
Early Life and Education Born in Nigeria, Adefisayo pursued higher education with a strong focus on science and business. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, a Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, and an MBA. Her academic background is further complemented by a PhD in Education, underscoring her deep commitment to the field.
Career Adefisayo's career in education spans several decades, encompassing both the private and public sectors. Before her appointment as a Commissioner, she held various leadership positions in prominent educational institutions.
- Private Sector Leadership: She served as the Chief Executive Officer of Lead Lighthouse Educational Consulting, where she provided strategic guidance and expertise to schools. Her experience also includes significant roles within highly respected private schools in Nigeria, such as being the Executive Director of Corona Secondary School and later the Chief Executive Officer of Grange School, a prestigious international school in Lagos. In these roles, she was instrumental in driving curriculum development, teacher training, and overall school administration.
- Commissioner for Education, Lagos State (2019-2023): Dr. Adefisayo was appointed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to lead the education ministry in Lagos State, one of Nigeria's largest and most populous states. During her tenure, she championed several transformative initiatives aimed at improving the quality and accessibility of education. Key achievements and policies include:
- Technology Integration: Spearheaded the implementation of technology-driven learning solutions, including the EkoEXCEL program (Excellence in Child Education and Learning), which provided tablets to teachers and improved instructional delivery through technology.
- Infrastructure Development: Oversaw significant renovation and construction projects in public schools across the state, creating more conducive learning environments.
- Teacher Development: Prioritized continuous professional development for teachers, focusing on modern pedagogy and digital literacy to enhance teaching effectiveness.
- Curriculum Review: Initiated efforts to review and update the state's curriculum to align with 21st-century skills and global best practices.
- COVID-19 Response: Led the ministry's response to the educational challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, facilitating remote learning initiatives and ensuring a safe return to schools.
Impact and Legacy Folashade Adefisayo is recognized for her pragmatic approach to educational reform, emphasizing sustainable solutions and leveraging technology to bridge educational gaps. Her work in Lagos State significantly impacted over a million students and thousands of teachers, setting new benchmarks for public education in Nigeria. She continues to be an influential voice in education policy and advocacy.