The best graduating student for the 26th Convocation of the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH), Ikorodu, Miss Omotoyosi Fatogun, has appealed to Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode to upgrade the institution to a residential citadel of learning.
Fatogun, at the convocation of the institution at its Ikorodu Campus on Thursday, said that making the institution a residential campus would alleviate the suffering of the students coming in daily.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Fatogun was named the overall best graduating student with a Cumulative Grade Point Aggregate (CGPA) of 3.81 in the School of Pure and Applied Sciences, Department of Science Laboratory Technology.
She said that one of the paramount needs of the students was the provision of a befitting hostel accommodation.
“I implore your Excellency sir, to consider making our institution a residential citadel of learning, as the challenges of the off-campus accommodation is sometimes overwhelming,” she said.
Fatogun also pleaded with Ambode to facilitate the construction of a pedestrian bridge at LASPOTECH axis of the Ikorodu-Sagamu road for safety of lives of staff, students and the entire LASUNWON community.
“While appreciating your administration for its continuous support, we wish to inform you that the Polytechnic is still faced with some challenges, which if addressed would alleviate the sufferings of both staff and students.
“We also plead that you make education a priority among numerous development plans, as we all have assurance that your administration would continue in government come 2019, and we promise to utilise our vote wisely,” she said.
Fatogun, while congratulating her fellow graduands on the landmark achievement, urged them to make profitable use of the academic certificate handed over to them.
“I implore you to make optimal advantage of the variety of skills that we have been exposed to though the entrepreneurship development program.
“Also, the recently concluded Ready Set Work Initiative of the Lagos State Government for our livelihood. The era of white collar job is over,” she said.
Fatogun said that her success was not by accident but by dint of hard work, divine grace and ultimate blessings of the Almighty.
On behalf of the graduands, she promised that they would be good ambassadors of the polytechnic and the state.
Meanwhile, Ambode pledged his commitment to moving education from the norm of certificate acquisition to the level of knowledge development through technology and skills acquisition.
He said mentorship for entrepreneurial and economic empowerment would also be done.
Ambode, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr Idiat Adebule said he would continue to invest substantial amount of resources in the education sector.
He said this would enrich the pool of human resources from the state institutions.
According to him, no society can ever develop without good investment in the education of its citizens, or providing enabling environment for ideas to thrive.
Ambode urged the graduands to take advantage of the training and skills acquired to become employers of labour.
“The economic climate of the nation requires young vibrant entrepreneurs to be determined to create and generate wealth and employment opportunities.
“You are to create employment opportunities where none exists and to constantly adjust to the dynamics of the market to drive investment and economic empowerment for many others.
“You should make the best use of your time to improve yourself constantly in this ever-changing world,” he said.
NAN reports that 6, 355 students graduated from the polytechnic, out of which 211 earned distinctions while 1, 368 made upper credit, 3,505 students made lower credit and 1, 271 obtained Pass.
