Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Thursday said his administration would continue to add value to the quality of education in tertiary institutions owned by the state to make graduates wealth creators.
Ambode, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Idiat Adebule, made the pledge at the 24th Convocation Ceremony of the Lagos State Polytechnic, Ikorodu.
He said the government was aware of the challenges hindering the growth of young entrepreneurs, which prompted the establishment of the Employment Trust Fund.
“The fund is to assist graduates and help them generate wealth for themselves, as well as create job opportunities for others.
“Your education in this institution has equipped you with the necessary foundation and skills for the challenges ahead.
“You owe this institution a duty to be its good ambassadors by promoting economic development and progress of our community,” he said.
Ambode urged the management and staff of the institution to ensure that the students under their care are exposed to new ideas in research.
In his address, Mr Samuel Sogunro, Rector, LASPOTECH, said that the student population of the 38-year-old institution had grown from 287 at inception to the present 25, 250.
Sogunro said that one of the biggest challenges of the polytechnic was underfunding, as it constrained research activities and development in the Institution.
“Being a public institution, our main source of funding is the government, which owing to the prevailing hostile economic environment, has increasingly been unable to cater for most of our financial needs.
“The inability of the state government to adequately fund the polytechnic has for a long time constrained research and sundry development activities on our campuses,” he said.
Sogunro appreciated Gov. Ambode for his active support in reducing the challenges and burden of the institution, promising that the school management would continue to complement the government’s efforts.
He urged the graduating students to continue to work hard and strive for academic, professional and personal excellence.
“Your achievement now leaves you with a vital responsibility of being a change agent in the society. You are not expected to rely on government jobs; think of what you can do for Nigeria.
“Put your know-how to use and set your creativity free to create jobs in the private sector,” Sogunro said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that LASPOTECH graduated 8, 519 students at the convocation. (NAN)