By Safiu Kehinde
Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday, made official the establishment of two new universities in the state.
Following the approval of the legislature, the state government assented the conversion of Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH) into Lagos State University of Science and Technology while Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (AOCOED) and Michael Otedola College of Primary Education (MOCPED) were combined to form Lagos State University of Education.
Speaking at the event held at the Lagos House, Marina, Sanwo-Olu expressed his delight over the new development which now sees Lagos boasting of three state-owned varsities.
“We are now blessed with two additional universities joining LASU established in 1982 by the first Executive Governor of Lagos State, the late Alhaji Lateef Jakande,” he said.
The governor lauded the effort of his administration in promoting the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) initiative while also calling the National Universities Commission (NUC) to action.
“We are investing into the quality of the curriculum and strength of the programmes offered. This action today will enable NUC do its due diligence.”
Present at the event were Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Barr. Tokunbo Wahab, Attorney General/Commissioner of Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), Chairman Michael Otedola College of Primary Education (MOCPED), Alhaja Sekinat Yusuf, Chairman , Governing Council, Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (AOCOED), Prof. Nuru Olasupo, Chairman, Governing Council, Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH), Prof. Rasheed Ojikutu, and erstwhile Rector of the institution, Dr. Nurudeen Olaleye.
Meanwhile, the agitation by the students of the converted Polytechnic over the increment of school fees is still ongoing.
BlackBox Nigeria had earlier reported the development with some of the students pointing out the conversion of the institution as the cause of the increment. While the 24-hour ultimatum given by the students is long over due, the Students Union Government is yet to update the aggrieved students.
