OVER 2,000 STUDENTS GRADUATE FROM LAGOS TECHNICAL COLLEGES
At the Year 2024 Graduation of Technical College students, more than 2,000 students from the five Government Technical Colleges in Lagos State graduated as trained professionals on Monday, demonstrating the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration’s dedication to education and technology.
Speaking at a Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board (LASTVEB)-organized graduation ceremony at De-Blue Roof in Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to further cooperation with industry captains, the private sector, and artisans in order to generate job opportunities for students who received LASTVEB-acquired skills.
Governor Sanwo-Olu urged the graduates to look beyond the present challenges and strive for excellence using the skills garnered to compete favourably with their global counterparts in various vocational skills.
He said, “Today, we celebrate not just the academic and technical achievements of over 2,000 graduates but also the remarkable potential they represent for the future of Lagos State and Nigeria.
“The significance of technical and vocational education cannot be overstated. Institutions like LASTVEB equip young people with practical, industry-relevant skills that meet the demands of an evolving economy. Across trades such as engineering, construction, ICT, business, and the creative arts, our graduates have acquired the tools not just to participate in the workforce but to transform it through innovation and dedication.
“This achievement aligns perfectly with our administration’s commitment under the Education and Technology pillar of the T.H.E.M.E.S+ agenda. By investing in the skills and capabilities of our youth, we are building the foundation for a prosperous, inclusive, and self-reliant society.
“Beyond these individual accomplishments, technical and vocational education drives community development, reduces unemployment, and ensures our graduates are competitive globally. For instance, technical education has been shown to increase graduation rates, improve employability, and foster entrepreneurship. Many of our graduates today will step into the world as job creators, while others will fill critical roles in high-demand industries, bolstering Lagos State’s economic standing both nationally and internationally.
“This event also underscores the importance of collaboration between government, industries, and educational institutions. Through our partnerships, we have been able to ensure that the curriculum remains aligned with current industry standards and that our students receive hands-on, experiential learning.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu, while congratulating the graduating students, urged them to use their skills for societal transformation.
He said, “As you step into the next phase of your lives, remember that your skills are powerful tools—not only for personal success but for societal transformation.
“I congratulate all our graduates and thank the management and staff of LASTVEB, parents, and stakeholders for their tireless contributions to this achievement. Together, we are shaping a future where technical education is celebrated and valued as a cornerstone of sustainable development.”
Speaking earlier, Mr. Tolani Alli-Balogun, the Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, encouraged the graduating students to reflect deeply, set lofty goals, and pursue excellence in their career paths in order to contribute to the nation’s economic development. He pointed out that no country can advance without a strong and sufficient technical education for the development of skills and knowledge.
“I know that turning your dreams into reality is not always easy. It requires hard work, dedication, and perseverance. It demands that you be focused, disciplined, and committed to your goals. It necessitates that you be willing to take risks, to face your fears and overcome them, and to push beyond your comfort zones.
“Our ever-dedicated, amiable Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has created leverage through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation and Ministry of Wealth Creation to further empower you to greater heights in your career path. So that you can fit into the labour market, be self-employed, and eventually become employers of labour,”the commissioner said.
Speaking as well, Ms. Moronke Azeez, Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board (LASTVEB), stated that Sanwo-olu’s administration is addressing the issue of unemployment through various programs, generating technical development professionals who will increase employment opportunities for young people and help them become self-sufficient.
Miss Daniella Okpako, speaking on behalf of the graduates, praised the Lagos State Government for its steadfast dedication to promoting technical education in the state and promoted scholarships for worthy students to continue their studies and develop their abilities.
David Uchendu, a Mechanical Engineering Craft Practice major from Government Technical College, Ikotun, won Best Overall, and Daniel Salami, a student of Instrument Mechanic Works from Government Technical College, Agidingbi, won Best in Innovation.
Daniel Okpako, who studied blocklaying, bricklaying, and concreting at Government Technical College, Ikotun, and Ifeoma Abalogun, who concentrated in painting and decoration at Government Technical College, Epe, were also recognized as the Best Female in Construction.
The five Government Technical Colleges in Ado-Soba, Agidingbi, Epe, Ikorodu, and Ikotun each recognized Benedict Wisdom (Electrical Installation and Maintenance Works), Babatunde Boyejo (Electrical Installation and Maintenance Works), Moyosore Odofin (Instrument Mechanic Works), and Grace Arebisola (Garment Making) as Best Students.