By Dipo Olowookere
The Lagos State Government has revealed plans to establish two additional Technical and Vocational Colleges in Badagry and Ibeju-Lekki in 2017.
The move is part of the determination of the state government to expand technical and vocational studies to all divisions of the state and increase accessibility for intending students and entrepreneurs into the various technical colleges.
The Executive Secretary, Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board, LASTVEB, Mrs Omolara Erogbogbo disclosed this during a courtesy visit by the members of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Education to the Board.
While briefing the House of Assembly members, Erogbogbo said LASTVEB was particularly delighted with performance of its students in the last National Business and Technical Examinations Board, NABTEB, examinations coupled with the increasing number of people seeking admission into the existing technical colleges in the State.
She said, “The demands for more facilities and equipment are on the increase. This truly reveals that technical college is gaining its rightful place and recognition, as people are now contributing their quota towards national development through acquisition of right skills”
The leader of the team and Chairman of the House Committee, Mr Lanre Ogunyemi promised to support the LASTVEB in putting technical and vocational education in the right perspective in order to ensure that youths are self-reliant and independent.
Citing the example of the Japanese, Chinese and other developed countries, Mr Ogunyemi maintained that technical and vocational training remains a good option to drive any economy; it is also critical in employment creation and abatement of crime.
“Acquisition of rights skills is just the way to go in our quest to solving unemployment problems in the state because we believe that vocational and technical schools should be given top priority to bridge the gap between the formal and informal sectors,” he said.
He noted that acquisition of skills does not exempt students, stressing that combination of formal education and skills create better job opportunities for prospective job seekers.
He therefore urged all parents and guardians across the state to encourage youth engagement in technical and vocational education.
