The Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Alli-Balogun has stressed the need for the establishment of more technical colleges across the 20 local government areas of the state to absorb most of the children and youths who are still out of school and depending on the public for survival.
He stated that the five technical colleges established by the state government over four decades ago in Agidingbi(Ikeja); Adesoba (Amuwo-Odofin); Ikotun (Alimosho) and Epe as well as Ikorodu are no longer adequate, especially when considering the increasing demand for technical education as a best alternative to regular school.
The commissioner shared this thought and perspective at this year’s combined graduation ceremony for students of the five technical colleges in the state, last week.
According to him, the current 6-3-3-4 Education system which was designed to meet the yearning and aspirations of the prevailing socio-economic, technology and political advancement in the country factored in technical and vocational education when it was introduced some years ago.
He declared that no nation anywhere in the world can develop progressively without vibrant and robust technical and vocal education in place.
Alli-Balogun, in a statement made available on Wednesday by the head of the public affairs unit of the ministry, Mr Kayode Sutton, mentioned that this philosophy is also part of the basis for the T.H.E.M.E.S PLUS Agenda of the current state’s government led by Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who is known as “The architect and modal of a new Lagos.”
While congratulating the new graduates numbering over 2,000, he urged them to make good use of the knowledge gained and skills acquired during their three-year training as the world is awaiting their contributions to nation-building.
According to him, now that you have transited from students to skilled technicians, ensure you make meaningful impacts in your chosen fields and also in the growth and development of the country and global economy at large
“So, I will implore you to think beyond your current circumstances, dream big and strive for excellence in all you do,’’ he further counselled.
The commissioner also commended the state Technical and Vocational Education Board (LASTVEB) as well as various instructors for “their commitment to producing well trained technicians in various fields, urging them for improved service delivery.
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