Sanwo-Olu extols education as key to shaping individuals, societal development
LAGOS (Sundiata Sholar) – Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has reiterated the transformative power of education in shaping individuals, addressing societal needs and fostering human development.
Sanwo-Olu stated this at the 28th Convocation Ceremony of Lagos State University (LASU).
The Governor, represented by his Deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, highlighted the importance of education in shaping the future of individuals and society as a whole.
He assured that his administration was dedicated to empowering students in state-owned tertiary institutions, nurturing innovative thinkers, problem-solvers, and great leaders.
Sanwo-Olu stressed that excelling in education is just as valuable as success in entertainment, fashion, or sports.
“Education is the backbone of our society, and we must recognise its importance in addressing societal needs and fostering human development.
“We must remind young people that excelling in education is just as valuable as success in the entertainment industry, fashion, or sports.
“We are committed to supporting education and promoting academic excellence in Lagos State,” he said.
He urged the graduating students to make a positive impact in their communities and contribute to the development of the nation.
Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting education, highlighting the importance of investing in the next generation.
He further highlighted some of the initiatives and investments aimed at improving education in the state including the 8,200-capacity students hostel, built through a public-private partnership, currently accommodating 1,800 students.
“The new University Main Library which is the largest in West Africa, showcases the government’s commitment to educational infrastructure.
“Reconstruction of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, a key infrastructure project supporting the university’s growth and the Job Initiative Lagos, an initiative for final-year students, promoting youth development and employment,” he said.
Earlier, Prof. Gbolahan Elias (SAN), LASU Chancellor, charged the graduands to be innovative, creative and entrepreneurial in their future endeavours.
The LASU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, in her remarks, said the graduands had shown exceptional academic prowess and character in earning the highest degree offered by the university.
Olatunji-Bello said the ceremony is a moment of fulfilment and pride for the 125 PhDs and 37 Professional Doctoral Degree graduands.
The Vice-Chancellor said that three personalities would be recognised for their exceptional contributions to the development of the institution and society at large.
She thanked members of the university management, senate, staff and students for their invaluable contributions to the success of the university.
Olatunji-Bello said their proactive engagement with the university’s welfare policies had helped sustain industrial peace and harmony, ensuring the stability of the academic calendar over the past three and half years.
reports that the high point of the event was the recognition of three eminent persons for distinguishing themselves in the society.
Prof. Joseph Olagunju was conferred the Rank of Distinguished Professor while
Mr Olufemi Pedro, former Deputy Governor of Lagos State and Rtd. Brig.- Gen Buba Maruwa, Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency was awarded Honorary Doctorate Degrees.
Also, the 35th Lagos State Student Union presented an award of excellence for unwavering support to the development and advancement of education to Gov. Sanwo-Olu, Hamzat and Olatunji-Bello.
also reports that the governor in his commitment to education announced a N10 million reward for the best-graduating student, Isioma Nwosu for emerging as the overall best-graduating student with a CGPA of 4.93 in the Department of Biochemistry.
He noted that the gesture underscored the government’s dedication to promoting academic excellence and recognising outstanding achievements. (NAN)
