GOVERNOR Babajide Sanwo-Olu has implored Nigerians to embrace the Student Loan Law as it will provide opportunities for the children of the poor to realize their dream of acquiring tertiary education.
Sanwo-Olu, who said this today at the 40th anniversary and 26th convocation of Lagos State University, also announce a N10m reward for the best undergraduate student, Aminat Yusuf Imoitsemeh, with a CGPA of 5.0. The governor announced a personal donation of N5m and another N5m donation on behalf of the state government.
Congratulating all the graduating students, the governor said: “Attaining 40 years of excellence is no mean feat, and I want to congratulate the University for remaining steadfast in its commitment to the provision of a high standard of education which has produced highly skilled men and women over the years, many of whom are being celebrated at home and abroad. I am equally impressed by the many achievements of the university which have received both national and international recognitions.
“Among its achievements, LASU, in 2018 was selected among sixteen other universities in Nigeria and designated ‘Africa Center of Excellence for Innovative and Transformative Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education’ by the World Bank, and has commenced admission of International Students to the programme.
“To further emphasize that this government places a premium on Education, the State in its six pillars of development has given Education and Technology a place of importance in the core component of its strategic road map to see the State rise and lead this nation to greater progress.”
He commended the university management under the able leadership of Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, for maintaining uninterrupted academic sessions, and aggressively pursuing the promotion of rigorous research and teaching in line with global best standards.
“It is important to note that, beyond churning out graduates from Universities regularly, the essence of education is to meet societal needs. I charge you to ensure that you keep your curriculum at par with best international standards, so that one institution at a time, we can reverse the negative effect that the scourge of education tourism is having on our young ones and our development.”
Two outstanding professors of the university, Dapo Asaju and Babajide Elemo were conferred with the rank of Distinguished Professor, while eight eminent personalities, including former governors Babatunde Fashola and John Fayemi as well as Professor Daniel Olukoya were awarded honorary doctorate degrees for their distinct and excellent contributions to national development and the well-being of humanity.
