Lagos Technical Colleges Produce 1,600 Technicians
Funmi Ogundare
It was celebration all the way recently at the 2017/2018 graduation and special awards ceremony of Lagos State Government Technical Colleges, where a total of 1,600 technicians graduated.
The students who underwent a three-year intensive training in various trades, were drawn from the five technical colleges in the state: Government Technical College, Ikotun, Government Technical College, Agidingbi, Government Technical College, Ado-Soba, Government Technical College, Ikorodu and Government Technical College, Epe, and were awarded certificates in Federal Craft Training (FCTC) and National Technical/ National Business (NTC/NBC).
In her remarks, the Executive Secretary of Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board (LASTVEB), Mrs. Omolara Erogbogbo expressed excitement that the board has been able to attain its goals of training people, while acknowledging the contributions of the instructors, parents and principals of the college.
“You have made us proud with your great achievements in spite of the numerous challenges which you were confronted with and overcame during your training programmes.”
She also congratulated the students saying, “today, as I look at you and see great hope, you are indeed regarded as the most vibrant, energetic and powerful generation we have ever seen in human history simply due to the fact that you have been bestowed with the latest technology at your disposal which no other generation has, to invent new products and services to provide meaningful comfortable lives to the society.”
Erogbogbo expressed concern about the challenges and vices confronting the society such as unemployment, armed robbery, drug addiction and poverty, saying that relevant technical and vocational skills/ entrepreneurship are key to the technological and economic development of the country.
A former Senior Special Assistant to Osun State Government on Technical and Vocational Education (TVE), Dr. Moromoke Raji in her lecture stressed the need for the development of policy framework that would harmonise the TVE sector, adding that there should be a synergy among the technical colleges.
She advised the graduands on the key ingredients for building successful businesses, saying: “Team spirit is important in getting it right in the world of business, you need to have problem solving skills, be critical thinkers and diversify business approach. You must be ready to attract the best customers as your skill is very important.”
In her remarks, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Idiat Adebule acknowledged the efforts of the principals on the graduands, saying that it will enable them contribute their quota to impact the society.
She challenged them to take Nigeria to a greater height by being relevant. “The future belongs to you because you have been equipped with employability skills to be self-employed.”
Awards were presented to the board’s former principal officers in recognition of their contributions to TVE in the state. They were Mrs. Adeyinka Oyemade and Chief Olawumi Gasper.
KEHINDE OMORU
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