I am delighted to be here this morning, as Visitor, at the 22nd Convocation Ceremony of the Lagos State University to witness as young minds, the next generation of leaders, are awarded various degrees after being certified worthy both in character and learning.
Occasions like this deserve all the attention it can get because the future of any nation can only be guaranteed when its youth, who form a majority of the population, are educated enough to contribute to the economy and the continued sustenance of the country.
The provision of qualitative education is one of the cardinal duties a government must render to its people and the importance our government attaches to education is reflected in the 12.07% of the total 2018 Budget allocated to Education.
This allocation is surpassed by only that of Economic Affairs and General Public Services.
Our State has always been a trailblazer in various spheres of life and in order to consolidate on the economic gains made so far, the education of our youth is paramount. We seek the cooperation of all Lagosians to ensure we eradicate illiteracy in the State, groom the next generation of leaders and captains of industry as well as position our State as the standard bearer for the nation in the provision of qualitative tertiary education.
We are encouraged by the progress and successes of our “Ready Set Work” initiative targeted at Penultimate and Final year students of Public Tertiary Institutions in our State. The feedback we get from the Corporate World is that with adequate and proper mentoring, our graduates can stand toe-to-toe with their colleagues from anywhere across the globe.
These success stories are a huge motivation for us to increase the scope of this initiative to accommodate more of our students as we have resolved to make every succeeding year of the programme bigger and better than the previous edition.
At this point, let me thank the Chancellor; His Excellency, Honorable Justice Adesola Oguntade JSC, FNIALS, MFR; the Pro-Chancellor and also High Commissioner of Nigeria to the United Kingdom, and other members of the Governing Council for the professional and mature way they have coordinated affairs of the University in the last few years.
We also applaud the University Management under the strong leadership of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Olanrewaju Adigun Fagbohun, and the entire workforce and students for the way you have worked together to achieve a common purpose.
The result of the cordial and friendly atmosphere under which you have operated is obvious for all to see. We are proud of the achievements and successes the University has achieved so far and we urge you to keep the flag flying high.
On our part, as Government, we will support the University in the Accreditation of its various programmes and courses. We will work with the University to ensure that all our facilities and personnel meet the required standards for accreditation because we understand that the rating and sustenance of the University is hinged on the Accreditation of its programmes by the National Universities Commission and other bodies with such responsibilities.
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, last year, at the 21st Convocation Ceremony of this University, on this same podium, I stated our intention to construct a Six Thousand (6,000) capacity hostel for the University. Today, I am happy to inform you that preliminary works on this project has reached a very advanced stage.
In addition, the Government’s Legacy Projects in the University including the New Senate Building, the Ultra-Modern Library, Students’ Arcade, LASU Homs (Staff Quarters) and the New Faculty of Management Sciences Buildings are all nearing completion simultaneously.
I have no doubt in my mind that these legacy projects when completed will change the entire overview of the landscape of the University.
Finally, I congratulate the Chancellor, Pro-Chancellor and other Members of the Governing Council, Management, Senate and the entire Staff and students of the Lagos State University on the occasion of another glorious outing for the award of the degrees to deserving graduates.
I also congratulate the parents and guardians of our graduating students and I wish all our graduates a promising and successful future.
I thank you for your attention and God bless you.
Itesiwaju Ilu Eko Lo Je Wa L’ogun !