Lagos state:Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, reiterated his administration’s commitment to collaborating with industry leaders, the private sector, and artisans to create employment opportunities for students who have acquired skills through the State Technical and Vocational Education Board (LASTVEB).
Governor Sanwo-Olu made this statement during the graduation ceremony of over 2,000 students from five Government Technical Colleges in Lagos State, held at De-Blue Roof, Agidingbi, Ikeja. He emphasized that this commitment aligns with his administration’s dedication to education and technology.
The governor urged the graduates to look beyond current challenges and strive for excellence, using the skills they have acquired to compete favorably with their global counterparts in various vocational fields.
“Today, we celebrate not only 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,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu highlighted the significance of technical and vocational education, noting that institutions like LASTVEB equip young people with practical, industry-relevant skills that meet the demands of an evolving economy. He stressed that this achievement aligns perfectly with his 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,” he added.
The governor also emphasized that technical and vocational education drives community development, reduces unemployment, and ensures graduates are competitive globally. He noted that technical education has been shown to increase graduation rates, improve employability, and foster entrepreneurship.
“This event also highlights the importance of collaboration between government, industries, and educational institutions. Through our partnerships, we have ensured that the curriculum remains aligned with current industry standards and that our students receive hands-on, experiential learning,” Sanwo-Olu said.
Governor Sanwo-Olu congratulated the graduating students and encouraged them to use their skills for societal transformation. He expressed his appreciation to the management and staff of LASTVEB, parents, and stakeholders for their tireless contributions to this achievement.
The State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Tolani Alli-Balogun, also urged the graduates to think deeply, aim higher, and strive for excellence in their careers, contributing to the nation’s economic growth. He noted that no nation develops without a robust technical education system to advance skills and knowledge.
The Executive Secretary of LASTVEB, Ms. Moronke Azeez, highlighted how Sanwo-Olu’s administration is addressing unemployment challenges through various initiatives, producing skilled technicians to foster technical development and create more job opportunities for youths, making them self-reliant.
Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Miss Daniella Okpako expressed gratitude to the state government for its unwavering commitment to advancing technical education in Lagos. She also advocated for scholarships for deserving students to enable them to further their education and build on the skills they have acquired.
During the event, several students were recognized for their outstanding achievements, including David Uchendu, named Best Overall, and Daniel Salami, recognized as Best in Innovation. Other top performers included Ifeoma Abalogun, Daniel Okpako, Benedict Wisdom, Oluwapelumi Adedeji, Babatunde Boyejo, Moyosore Odofin, and Grace Arebisola, who were honored as Best Students from their respective Government Technical Colleges.
