…….as bills pass House second reading
Lagos State Government has commended leadership and members of the Lagos State House of Assembly for giving legislative backing to the proposed establishment of two new Universities of Education and Science and Technology by the State Government.
The State Government also attributed success it has achieved so far in the implementation of its Education and Technology Pillar of Governor Sanwolu administration’s T.H.E.M.E.S development agenda to understanding, cordial working relationship and genuine commitment to good governance demonstrated by the RT. Hon. Mudsshiru Ajayi Obasa led House of Assembly in the State.
Special Adviser to Governor Sanwo-Olu on Education, Barrister Tokunbo Wahab gave the commendations on Friday, while updating newsmen on the status of the proposed two State Universities .
Wahab noted that their establishment may be faster and earlier than expected, giving the urgent attention and serious legislative backing giving to the matter at the floor of the House by the Law makers.
The Special Adviser who eulogized the House for supporting good governance in the State through quality legislations , affirmed that the House on Thursday, debated two bills proposing the establishment of two tertiary institutions – a University of Education and a University of Science and Technology – in the state, expressing happiness that the bills had scaled second reading on the floor of the State House of Assembly.
” I must express our appreciations to the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, our own Rt. Hon. Mudsshiru Ajayi Obasa and members of the State House of Assembly for the success we have achieved in education and other critical sectors, their support at all times and quality legislations have made possible good governance we are enjoying in the State today, we are particularly happy that the lawmakers have thrown their support behind the establishment of the Universities of; Education and Science and Technology in demonstration of the State government’s commitment to the growth of Education and Technology in the State, am confident, history of good governance will be so kind to the Speaker and members of this great Assembly, whenever we are reflecting on activities that led to new Lagos of our collective dream,” Wahab stated
According to him, the Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, Ijanikin and Sir Michael Otedola College of Primary Education, Epe upon approval, would be upgraded to Lagos State University of Education, while the Lagos State Polytechnic, Ikorodu be upgraded to Lagos State University of Science and Technology with a particular interest in vocational and entrepreneurship skills development for job security .
He noted that , it is evident that LASU alone could no longer cope with the admission needs of the larger students population of the State, hence, the need for the establishment of more Universities
The Special Adviser noted that the two Universities, when commenced, will help to add value to science, technology, vocational and entrepreneurship skills development needed for rapid socio -economic growth of the State and the nation at large.
According to him, the bills, which scaled second reading on the floor of the House as at Thursday, and presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, have been committed to the House Committee on Education (Tertiary) which is expected to report back in two weeks.
Meanwhile, the House Committee Chairman on Commerce Industry and Cooperatives, Hon. Bisi Yusuff (Alimosho 1) had during the House Plenary Session on Thursday, argued that the bill for a law to provide for the establishment of the university of Education, Lagos (UNEDLAG) was important as he suggested that it should also have provision for pre-degree programmes.
Yusuff also noted a provision in the bill that would make graduates of the proposed Universities somewhat independent rather than job seekers.
Also contributing, Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu (Eti-Osa 2), who agreed with his colleagues on the need to upgrade the two colleges of education in the state to a university, said the National Certificate in Educatuon (NCE) is no longer popular.
According to him, the establishment of the university is timely, but “there is need to have a template to form the institution in order to avoid overlap.”
Hon. David Setonji, chairman of the House committee on Information, while supporting the bills added that the state had a high number of primary and secondary schools with less teachers, noting that the university would help resolve the challenge
Speaking about the bill, Hon. Abiodun Tobun (Epe 2) said he was optimistic the proposed University of Education would produce good teachers if passed into law.
Concerning the proposed University of Science and Technology, the lawmakers expressed optimism that it would help provide manpower for the development of the state and the country.
In his contributions, Hon. Rauf Age-Sulaimon (Amuwo Odofin 2) suggested that courses in the humanities and legal studies should not be included in the institution’s curriculum as a University of Science and Technology.
While Hon. Femi Saheed (Kosofe 2) said science and technology played vital roles in development of a nation, Hon. Bisi Yusuff further
advised that the university should be made to go into researches on agriculture to reduce the high cost of food in the state and the country.
