The Community Primary School in Itowolo is located in a small riverine settlement within Greater Ikorodu, Lagos State. Historically an artisanal fishing village shaped by seasonal wetlands, Itowolo remains closely tied to its natural environment while facing growing pressures linked to rapid urbanisation and environmental vulnerability. The school, established in the 1980s, is a critical learning space for local children but is increasingly threatened by recurring flooding, deteriorated infrastructure, and unsafe site conditions.

The surrounding Ajegunle–Ikorodu corridor is densely populated, while Itowolo itself is a tightly clustered riverside community with predominantly low-income households relying on fishing, petty trading, and informal livelihoods. Limited public services, irregular drainage, and recurrent inundation disrupt daily life. Floodwater entering the school grounds, the collapse of the perimeter fence, and failing sanitation facilities underscore the urgent need for resilient, community-serving interventions.

Approx. Site Area

36,792 m²

Key Information

1. Riverine settlement highly exposed to seasonal flooding
   
2. Collapsed perimeter boundary leading to unsafe and unsanitary conditions
   
3. Deteriorated sanitation facilities and unmanaged waste contributing to health risks
4. Critical need for resilient, nature-based solutions to protect learning spaces
   
5. Opportunity to transform the school into a safe, accessible, climate-resilient hub for children and the wider community

Priority Areas & Main Expectations

Proposals should address the school’s interconnected environmental and infrastructural challenges. Designs are expected to:

• Strengthen safety through a secure, resilient perimeter and improved site management.
  
• Reduce flood impacts by integrating nature-based solutions, such as a Living Levee along the water edge and Sponge School stormwater strategies within the campus.
  
• Provide flood-proof, reliable sanitation facilities and propose sustainable waste management approaches.
  
• Enhance environmental quality, micro-climate, and outdoor learning through green, low-maintenance interventions.

Solutions should respond to Lagos State’s climate adaptation priorities—flood resilience, green infrastructure, and improved community well-being—while offering innovative, context-appropriate ideas that support safe learning environments and community resilience.

See further details in the Site Requirement document in the Documentation section.