MINISTERIAL PRESS BRIEFING: TOLANI SULE HIGHLIGHTS EDUCATION, STUDENT WELFARE ACHIEVEMENTS
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By: Fasasi Hammad
“The Lagos State Government remains committed to transforming tertiary institutions into centres of excellence that can compete globally while meeting the educational needs of residents,” the Commissioner for Tertiary Education,Mr. Tolani Sule, has said.
Speaking on Wednesday during the Ministerial Press Briefing held at Alausa, Ikeja,Mr. Sule highlighted major achievements recorded by the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in the education sector, particularly in tertiary education, digital learning, research, library development, student welfare, and institutional expansion.
The Commissioner disclosed that the Lagos State Library Board currently operates 13 branch libraries across the state, with continuous efforts being made to improve library resources and reading culture among residents. According to him, all books acquired by the board are professionally catalogued and classified to maintain global standards.
He added that the board continues to encourage reading among youths and adults through initiatives such as the Lagos Free Inter-School Quiz Competition for public secondary schools across the six education districts. He announced that the 2026 edition of the competition will hold on May 21, 2026.
Sule also revealed that the Lagos State Government has equipped five public libraries with solar-powered energy systems to improve learning conditions and provide alternative electricity supply for readers. The libraries include the Herbert Macaulay Library, Yaba; Henrika Public Library, Agege; Ikorodu Public Library; and the Epe and Badagry public libraries.
“As a government, we are committed to enhancing the comfortability of readers in our public libraries and creating better learning environments for residents,” he said.
Addressing concerns over accommodation shortages in state-owned institutions, the Commissioner explained that the government has begun converting former COVID-19 isolation centres in Gbagada and Eti-Osa into student hostels to increase bed spaces for students of the Lagos State College of Nursing.
According to him, the project will provide about 196 additional bed spaces, while efforts are ongoing to acquire nearby private buildings that can also be converted into student hostels.
“The state government and the management of the college are working hard to increase student accommodation facilities. We are also seeking partnerships with private investors and development organisations to support this effort,” Mr. Sule stated.
He noted that the College of Nursing currently ensures that all first-year and final-year students are accommodated in line with institutional regulations, despite space limitations around the campus due to its proximity to the airport.
The Commissioner further disclosed that the state government plans to expand the institution into a full-fledged university with campuses across different parts of Lagos to allow for infrastructural growth and improved learning facilities.
On the issue of student accommodation at Lagos State University of Science and Technology, Mr. Sule explained that the institution was originally designed as a non-residential university, but government interventions are now being introduced to improve student welfare.
He revealed that the Federal Government, through TET Fund, recently commenced the construction of new hostel facilities expected to accommodate about 1,500 students.
“Just two weeks ago, the Minister came for the groundbreaking of the hostel project and assured us that the first phase would be delivered within 24 months,” he said.
The Commissioner explained that limited infrastructure and regulatory quotas from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) remain major factors affecting student admission numbers in tertiary institutions.
Responding to questions on revenue generation,Mr. Sule clarified that the Ministry of Tertiary Education is not primarily a revenue-generating ministry, noting that its income mainly comes from certificate authentication services.
“The ministry is not a revenue-generating ministry. The little revenue we generate comes from certificate authentication, especially for foreign certificates,” he explained.
On concerns about accreditation and institutional monitoring, the Commissioner stated that both the ministry and professional regulatory bodies regularly supervise academic programmes and institutional activities to ensure compliance with required standards.
He listed bodies such as the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, the Nigerian Law School, and engineering regulatory agencies as institutions responsible for monitoring professional programmes.
“We have dedicated monitoring and accreditation divisions within the ministry to ensure that our institutions comply with the required standards at all times,” he said.
Sule also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to equipping graduates with practical and technology-driven skills through partnerships, digital training programmes, entrepreneurship initiatives, and international collaborations aimed at preparing students for the modern job market.
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