By Abiola Okunlaya
In the bid to foster an enabling environment that gives room for improvement and sustainability; the Alumni Association of Laspotech’s chapter held its pioneer Summit on Tuesday at the 500 seaters auditorium of the Ikorodu campus.
The Rector, Mr. Samuel Sogunro in his opening remarks welcomed all and sundry into the summit, in commemoration of Laspotech’s history, growth and development. Mr. Sogunro further said that it is germane to always trace back ones history as it helps to know where one is coming from and what to do.
The Rector mentioned that soon, the Polytechnic will include in its curricula; the History of Laspotech, and it will be taken as a course by students of the Polytechnic. When asked about this development by one of our correspondents, the Deputy Rector, Mr. Adesoye Adegoke affirmed this statement to be genuine. According to him, when students begin to take this History course, they would understand better the Polytechnic’s values and culture and this would give them a more welcoming atmosphere to act right as students of the Polytechnic.
The summit titled ‘The Role of Alumni Association in the Development of the Polytechnic’ welcomed Dr. Yinka Adewusi, the National Chairman as the Chief discussant.
In his speech, Dr. Yinka enumerated on the attributes of the association and its impact on the development of Lagos State Polytechnic as a whole. ‘We all know that we cannot over emphasize the importance of Alumni anywhere. Sacrifice is the only word that stands out, if you cannot make a sacrifice, then you might not be able to work effectively as an alumni’ he said.
Dr. Adewusi went further to highlight some achievements of the Association since its inception. In his words; ‘the Laspotech Alumni association have been a reference point in Lagos State. Firstly, we set up a structure, and that structure has since been standing till this moment. We also have a Recognition cash award that we set up for all best graduating students in their schools back when the Polytechnic still had 5 campuses; and now that the campuses are down to three, our Recognition award still stands. We also donated some computer sets to the school, this particular project is called ‘Meeting the Titans’ where we donate equipments and exhibit projects to the Polytechnic’.
The National Chairman when highlighting the roles of the Alumni association in the development of Laspotech, stated that asides from setting up a structure and the recognition award, the association have also been involved with expanding branches and coasts across Lagos State.
He also stated that the association organizes a leadership retreat for the Student Union Leaders, as this is to ensure the efficiency of the Student Union.
Furthermore, Dr. Yinka mentioned how the association has been helpful to set up internship placement for an IT student who have been given a job opportunity across the country.
Dr. Adewusi, in his conclusion said that the association is set to establish a Multipurpose Cooperative Society that will help with trade and use of its excesses to support the Polytechnic.
Mr. Olumuyiwa Olugbile, another discussant and past President of the association stated in his speech that, his regrets were, after leaving Laspotech which was then the Lagos State Science and Technology, they didn’t come back and the efforts to set up an association were carried out by the sets after them.
Other discussants at the summit were Mr. Ayodeji Iginla; former Rector, Engr. Olawunmi Gasper, and Mr. Nurudeen Bashorun who all spoke extensively on the History, Growth and Development of Laspotech.
