Lagos graduates 2,000 students, champions skill development

The Lagos State Government has celebrated the graduation of over 2,000 students from its five Government Technical Colleges, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to education and technology under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration.

The graduation ceremony, organized by the Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board (LASTVEB) at De-Blue Roof, Agidingbi, Ikeja, saw the students emerge as skilled professionals across various trades, including engineering, ICT, construction, business, and the creative arts.

In his keynote address, Governor Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to fostering partnerships with industries, private sector stakeholders, and artisans to create employment opportunities for the graduates.

“Today, we celebrate not just the academic and technical achievements of over 2,000 graduates but also the remarkable potential they represent for the future of Lagos State and Nigeria,” Sanwo-Olu said.

He highlighted the vital role technical education plays in economic transformation and community development, emphasizing its alignment with the Education and Technology pillar of the T.H.E.M.E.S+ agenda.

The governor urged the graduates to leverage their skills to compete on a global scale, adding, “Your skills are powerful tools—not only for personal success but for societal transformation.”

Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Tolani Alli-Balogun, also addressed the graduates, encouraging them to aim high in their careers and contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth. He noted that Governor Sanwo-Olu has facilitated initiatives through the Ministries of Women Affairs and Wealth Creation to empower graduates further.

LASTVEB Executive Secretary, Ms. Moronke Azeez, praised the administration’s focus on tackling unemployment through technical education, describing it as a crucial step toward self-reliance and economic sustainability.

The ceremony also celebrated outstanding students:

Best Overall Student: David Uchendu (Mechanical Engineering Craft Practice, GTC Ikotun)

Best in Innovation: Daniel Salami (Instrument Mechanic Works, GTC Agidingbi)

Best Female in Construction: Ifeoma Abalogun (Painting and Decoration, GTC Epe) and Daniel Okpako (Blocklaying, GTC Ikotun).

Other top-performing students included Benedict Wisdom (Electrical Installation), Oluwapelumi Adedeji (Garment Making), Babatunde Boyejo (Electrical Installation), Moyosore Odofin (Instrument Mechanic Works), and Grace Arebisola (Garment Making).

Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Miss Daniella Okpako expressed gratitude to the Lagos State Government for its commitment to technical education and advocated scholarships for deserving students to further enhance their skills.

Governor Sanwo-Olu concluded the event by reaffirming the state’s dedication to building a self-reliant society through quality technical education.

“Together, we are shaping a future where technical education is celebrated and valued as a cornerstone of sustainable development,” he said.