Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State Governor has restated his allegiance to providing employment opportunities for students and apprentices in the state.
He made the commitment on Monday at the graduation ceremony of 2,000 students across the five government technical colleges in Lagos State.
The Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board (LASTVEB) graduated the 2,000 students as skilled professionals with theme: ‘Dreams To Reality’.
Sanwo-olu noted his administration’s allegiance to collaborating with captains of industries and other key private sector players inorder to create employment opportunities for students who acquired skills from LASTVEB.
The governor then urged the students to look beyond challenges and strive for excellence using the skills gained to be able to compete favourably with their counterparts.
“As you step into the next phase of your life, remember that your skills are powerful not only for your personal success but for the success of the society also; go out there and transform the society.
“You can be a supporter of your family, you can be an innovator that changes life not only for your family but for everyone.
”Technical education will improve employability rate and has shown to foster entrepreneurship.
“Many of you will step into the world not just as job seekers but also as job creators,” he said.
On the other hand, Mr Tolani Alli-Balogun, the state Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, urged the graduates to think deeply, aim higher and strive for excellence, asking them to focus on stimulating economic growth of the country.
Alli-Balogun emphasized that no nation develops without strong technical education.
”Congratulations to you all; you all have been equipped to be great innovators that will change the trajectory of our beloved state and our beloved country,” he said.
Mrs Moronke Azeez, LASTVEB’s Executive Secretary, said that the Sanwo-Olu administration is tackling unemployment challenges through different initiatives, including production of skilled technicians.
However, Miss Daniella Okpako, the overall best graduating student in block laying, bricklaying and concreting, thanked the state government for its commitment to advancing technical education and also
She called on the state government to consider scholarship for deserving students to further their education and build on their skills.
