Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said that his administration is utilising the collaboration with private sector and stakeholders to shape the future where technical education is celebrated and valued as a cornerstone of sustainable development..
Sanwo-Olu, equally expressed government’s commitment towards investing in skills and capabilities of youths in building foundation for a prosperous, inclusive, and self-reliant society.
This comes as over 2,000 students from the five Government Technical Colleges in Lagos State on Monday, graduated as skilled professionals at the Year 2024 Graduation of Technical College students, held at De-Blue Roof, Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos
Speaking during a graduation ceremony coordinated by the Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board, LASTVEB, Sanwo-Olu, reiterated his administration’s determination to more collaboration with captains of industries, private sectors and artisans to create employment opportunities for students who acquired skills from LASTVEB.
The Governor, therefore, urged the graduates to look beyond the present challenges and strive for excellence using the skills garnered to compete favourably with their global counterparts in various vocational skills.
According to hom, “Today, we celebrate not just the academic and technical achievements of over 2,000 graduates but also the remarkable potential they represent for the future of Lagos State and Nigeria.
“The significance of technical and vocational education cannot be overstated. Institutions like LASTVEB equip young people with practical, industry-relevant skills that meet the demands of an evolving economy. Across trades such as: engineering, construction, ICT, business, and the creative arts, our graduates have acquired the tools not just to participate in the workforce but to transform it through innovation and dedication.
“This achievement aligns perfectly with our administration’s commitment under the Education and Technology pillar of the T.H.E.M.E.S+ agenda.
“By investing in the skills and capabilities of our youth, we are building the foundation for a prosperous, inclusive, and self-reliant society.
“Beyond these individual accomplishments, technical and vocational education drives community development, reduces unemployment, and ensures our graduates are competitive globally.
“For instance, technical education has been shown to increase graduation rates, improve employability, and foster entrepreneurship. Many of our graduates today will step into the world as job creators, while others will fill critical roles in high-demand industries, bolstering Lagos State’s economic standing both nationally and internationally.
“This event also underscores the importance of collaboration between government, industries, and educational institutions.
“Through our partnerships, we have been able to ensure that the curriculum remains aligned with current industry standards and that our students receive hands-on, experiential learning.”
Sanwo-Olu, while congratulating the graduating students, urged them to use their skills for societal transformation.
“I congratulate all our graduates and thank the management and staff of LASTVEB, parents, and stakeholders for their tireless contributions to this achievement. Together, we are shaping a future where technical education is celebrated and valued as a cornerstone of sustainable development,” he stated.
Earlier, Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Tolani Alli-Balogun, urged the graduating students to think deeply, aim higher and strive for excellence in their career path and help in stimulating the economic growth of the country, noting that no nation develops without an adequate and robust technical education for advancement of skills, knowledge development.
Also, the Executive Secretary of LASTVEB, Ms. Moronke Azeez, noted that Sanwo-Olu’s administration has been tackling unemployment challenges through different initiatives, producing skilled technicians for technical development to create more employment for youths and make them self-reliant.
Speaking on behalf of the graduating students, Miss Daniella Okpako, thanked the State Government for its unwavering commitment in advancing technical education in the state and advocated scholarship for deserving students to further their education and build on the skills acquired.
Best graduating students
During the event, David Uchendu, who majored in Mechanical Engineering Craft Practice from Government Technical College, Ikotun, emerged as Best Overall, while Daniel Salami from Government Technical College, Agidingbi, who studied Instrument Mechanic Works emerged as Best in Innovation.
Ifeoma Abalogun, from Government Technical College, Epe, who majored in Painting and Decoration, and Daniel Okpako, who studied Blocklaying, Bricklaying and Concreting from Government Technical College, Ikotun, were also honoured as Best Female in Construction.
Benedict Wisdom (Electrical Installation and Maintenance Works), Oluwapelumi Adedeji (Garment Making), Babatunde Boyejo (Electrical Installation and Maintenance Works), Moyosore Odofin (Instrument Mechanic Works), and Grace Arebisola (Garment Making) were also recognised as Best Students from the five Government Technical Colleges in Ado-Soba, Agidingbi, Epe, Ikorodu and Ikotun respectively.
