Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the signing into law the Student Loan Bill, saying the bill will provide opportunities for the children of the poor to realize their dream of acquiring tertiary education.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, noted this during the 26th convocation and 40th anniversary ceremonies of Lagos State University (LASU) on Thursday, enjoined all Nigerians, especially the intended beneficiaries, to embrace the opportunity in good faith.
He noted that under his watch, Lagos State government is focused on assisting students in government tertiary institutions within the state to discover their talents, harness their potentials and refocus towards excellence, entrepreneurship and self-sustenance.
“As a government, we are not unaware that university operations is service-oriented and as such, the need to continually improve on quality benchmarks is a continuum.
“Very importantly, we are also not unaware that sustaining an effective university that can compete favourably on a global stage requires huge financial investments,” Sanwo-Olu said.
While congratulating the university on the successful completion of an academic program, the governor said: “It becomes more significant when this convocation ceremony coincides with the 40th anniversary of a great institution that has continued to live up to the expectations of its founding fathers.
“In addition, and to further lend credence to this milestone achievement, we are celebrating an incredible feat attained by Miss. Yusuf Aminat Imoitesemeh who is not only graduating as the best student for the 2021/2022 academic session, but also attained a perfect 5.0 CGPA.
“It is, therefore, with great pride that I felicitate with the Chancellor, the Pro-Chancellor, the Vice Chancellor and the entire University Community on this 40th anniversary and convocation, which will go down as the most celebrated in the history of the university.
“I congratulate Miss. Yusuf Aminat Imoitesemeh on her excellent academic performance which reflects her exceptional brilliance, hard work, sacrifice and focus.”
Commending LASU for attaining 40 years of excellence, he congratulated 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.”
Sanwo-Olu, who also commended the graduating students who chose Lagos State University as their institution of choice and have gone through a robust training, said: “I say big congratulations; I know that you are all eager to positively impact and contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of this great nation.
“It is my fervent hope and prayer that you all will be worthy ambassadors of this great citadel of learning.
“I must commend the University Management under the able leadership of Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, a competent and administration savvy Vice Chancellor, for maintaining uninterrupted academic sessions, and aggressively pursuing the promotion of rigorous research and teaching in line with global best standards.”
The governor charged the university 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.”
He enjoined LASU to establish its resilience in the face of the challenges it will experience, adding: “I am absolutely convinced that you will make us all proud.
“To those of you who have been awarded the Doctor of Philosophy degree, I applaud your resolute determination to go through the academic marathon, which has earned you a high degree in the academic system. I heartily congratulate you and pray that you find success in all your future endeavours.
“I congratulate the two outstanding Professors of the University who have been conferred with the Rank of Distinguished Professor, and rejoice with the eminent personalities being awarded Honorary Doctorate Degrees for their distinct and excellent contributions to national development and the well-being of humanity. Rest assured that the University is extremely proud to associate with you and leverage on your goodwill. I urge you to continue impacting positively on society. “
