To address the educational needs of Lagos State‘s youth, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu declared an upsurge in scholarships and bursaries for students attending tertiary institutions, underscoring his commitment to fostering academic excellence.
He announced that his administration would now provide scholarships and bursaries totaling N225,000 and N60,000, respectively, to indigenous students, marking an increase from the previous amounts of N200,000 and N50,000.
Furthermore, the governor introduced scholarships targeting underprivileged and disabled students attending public tertiary institutions, highlighting inclusivity by extending eligibility beyond Lagos residents.
Additionally, he revealed the appointment of four former Student Union leaders to serve as Senior Special Assistants. The newly appointed SSAs include Eniola Opeyemi, Kayode Samuel, Giwa Moore, and Adeola Adewunmi.
Sanwo-Olu spoke during a one-day Interactive session between him and Students Union Leaders and Stakeholders in Lagos State, organised by the Ministry of Tertiary Education, with the theme: “Students as Strategic Partners in the Governance Process: Challenges and Prospects for Youth Development.”
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The Adeyemi Bero Hall, Alausa, played host to the event, which saw the participation of state cabinet members, stakeholders in the tertiary education sector, and representatives from 13 public tertiary institutions in Lagos State, as outlined in a statement by his spokesperson, Gboyega Akosile.
Speaking during the interactive session, which lasted for over three hours, Sanwo-Olu said his administration would continue to engage students constructively and enhance infrastructure in public institutions.
He said his administration would continue to develop an enduring and sustainable ecosystem to create a liveable as well as workable environment for students in all the public tertiary institutions in Lagos.
Speaking on the importance of the interactive session, Sanwo-Olu said the meeting was “apt because of the trending events in our State and Nigeria. It is a confidence-building process between the government and the governed. It is an opportunity for students and other stakeholders to vent their feelings, opinions, and suggestions on how to overcome challenges confronting our collective existence as a people.”
Speaking earlier, Lagos State Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Mr. Tolani Sule, commended Sanwo-Olu for his support, assuring that the ministry would sustain the legacy of excellence.
He said, “A stakeholder engagement like this becomes necessary in view of the noble role that our youths have to play in our development agenda. I, therefore commend Mr. Governor for giving accelerated approval to this programme, knowing fully that our youths hold the key to a greater tomorrow for our dear country.
“In spite of the present social economic challenges in the country, it is gratifying to note that the Lagos State government has continued to sustain the tempo of excellence in our tertiary institutions. Students and staff welfare have remained a top priority of the State government while various infrastructural development projects are either completed or ongoing across our campuses.
It was also highlighted that leadership was evident in the recent years of the administration. They pointed out that during this period, none of the institutions experienced student unrest or staff industrial disharmony leading to strikes or closures.
Further mentioned was the smooth operation of academic calendars throughout the administration’s tenure, seeing it as indicative of leadership quality and administrative excellence.