Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun has hinted at the establishment of more Government Technical Colleges across the 20 Local Government areas of the State, to provide opportunities for the increasingly growing population of youths and also reduce Out-of-School children in the State.
While delivering his opening remarks at the 2024 Graduation Ceremony for Technical College Students on Tuesday, the Commissioner affirmed that for the current 6-3-3-4 Education system to serve the yearning and aspirations of the prevailing socio-economic, technology and political advancement, the existing five (5) Government Technical Colleges in Agidingbi, Ikeja; Adesoba, Amuwo-Odofin; Ikotun, Alimosho; Epe and Ikorodu respectively, established over 40 years ago, are grossly inadequate, especially owing to the increasing demand for Technical education as best alternative.
According to the Commissioner, no nation develops without an articulated and robust technical education in its entirety, acknowledging the critical factor for Lagos State success stories in the manifest destiny of the T.H.E.M.E.S PLUS Agenda of Mr. Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the architect and modal of the new Lagos.
Alli-Balogun challenged the over 2000 graduates as they transitioned from students to skilled professionals, equipped to make meaningful impacts in their chosen fields and in the stimulation of economic growth and development.
‘’As Technical and Vocational Education Graduates, you have acquired the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in your chosen careers. However, I want to challenge you to think beyond your current circumstances. I want to also encourage you to dream big, to aim higher, and to strive for excellence in all that you do’’, he enthused.
He commended the Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board, LASTVEB for its tireless efforts in providing high-quality technical and vocational education to the teeming youths of Lagos State, adding that the Board’s commitment to excellence is evident in the caliber of graduands being celebrated at the graduation ceremony.