Sanwo-Olu commissions LASCON hostel to boost nursing education

By Adeola Ogunrinde

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Friday commissioned a new hostel at the Lagos State College of Nursing (LASCON), Igando, as part of efforts to improve student welfare and strengthen healthcare manpower in the state.

The hostel, which can accommodate more than 250 students, is equipped with training and registration facilities, solar power infrastructure and round-the-clock CCTV surveillance.

Speaking at the commissioning, Sanwo-Olu described nurses as critical players in the healthcare system, saying their expertise and dedication were essential to meeting the needs of Lagos’ growing population.

He said the project was not only about providing accommodation but also an investment in human capital development, student welfare and the quality of healthcare education. He added that the state was pursuing approval for a University of Medical Sciences to expand its capacity to train doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals.

According to him, the proposed university would help address skilled manpower shortages in the health sector and ease pressure on existing healthcare facilities. He also urged students and lecturers to protect and maintain the new hostel, saying responsible use of public infrastructure would encourage further government investment.

The Provost of LASCON, Dr. Ayodeji Ogunmuyiwa, said the hostel would increase the college’s capacity to train nurses at a time of shortages in Lagos and Nigeria. She noted that regulatory limitations had restricted the college’s annual admission capacity despite the state’s population of more than 20 million.

Ogunmuyiwa also disclosed that LASCON was expecting its first set of graduates this year and appealed for additional buses, qualified personnel and placement opportunities for graduating students. She commended the state government for supporting the college’s accreditation process and funding its programmes.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Tolani Sule, said the investment would provide a better environment for students to acquire the skills and professionalism needed for the nursing profession, adding that the project reflected the government’s commitment to improving tertiary education and developing healthcare professionals.