Education occupies prominent place in THEMES agenda – Sanwo-Olu

Etim Ekpimah

The Lagos State governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reiterated his government’s commitment to quality and affordable education in Lagos, declaring that education occupies a prominent place in the six-pillar development agenda of his administration, tagged T.H.E.M.E.S.

According to him, his administration is cognisant of the fact that the Greater Lagos Dream can only be achieved through substantial investment in human capital development, innovation and creativity, entrepreneurship skills development, and public finance management.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Gboyega Akosile, on Thursday.

Speaking during the launch of the collaboration between Lagos State University and Cornell University, New York, United States for Post Graduate Professional Certificate Programmes, Sanwo-Olu said his administration will do everything possible to uphold the outstanding reputation of the state-owned university to make it one of the 10 best universities in the world.

He said the establishment of the LASU/ Cornell University Post Graduate Professional Certificate Programmes will give students from the state the opportunity to gain global skills that will make them relevant, employable, and globally competitive.

The governor assured the partners from the Cornell University that his administration will respect all agreements under the partnership between the university and LASU, adding that Lagos State Government will do everything possible to uphold the outstanding reputation of both institutions.

He said: “It is an exciting day for us in Lagos State and in LASU because today marks the beginning of an extraordinary partnership that will lead to the transformation of lives, the positive redirection of professional trajectories and the birth of innovative entrepreneurs who will fulfil their potential and make a mark on the global scene.

“Our collaboration with Cornell University further reflects our commitment to the provision of quality and sustainable education that meets the educational needs of the citizenry and also acts as a catalyst for individual growth and rapid socio-economic development.

“Education occupies a prominent place in the Six-Pillar Development Agenda of this administration (T.H.E.M.E.S), and our educational policies are greatly influenced by the National Policy on Education for sustainable growth and individual development.

“We are cognizant of the fact that our Greater Lagos Dream can only be achieved through substantial investment in human capital development, innovation and creativity, entrepreneurship skills development, and public finance management.

“As we build a 21st Century Economy, we must continue to ensure that our schools produce students who are truly prepared for the future. The establishment of the LASU/Cornell University Post Graduate Professional Certificate Programmes will give our students the opportunity to gain global skills that will make them relevant, employable, and globally competitive.”

Stressing the need for the partnership between the two institutions for Post Graduate Professional Certificate Programmes, Governor Sanwo-Olu said: “We made the decision to collaborate with Cornell University, a private Ivy League Institution because it is renowned for innovative excellence, entrepreneurship skills development.

“Others are exceptional research practice and human resource development: key attributes that are required to sustain LASU’s pedigree and high academic profile as the second-best university in Nigeria and one of the best 600 Universities in the world (Times Higher Education Impact Ranking Year 2020 and Year 2021 Emerging Economies University Ranking).

“I am confident that our reputable partners and visitors to this great University will continue to play the leadership role needed to reposition LASU, increase its present rating, and make it a University of Choice in the whole of Africa.

“Through this collaboration with Cornell University, we will, in record time, produce professionals needed to develop our State and Nation in different areas of human endeavours such as leadership, management, human resources development, data science and statistics, financial management, and entrepreneurship skills development.

“I assure our partners from Cornell University that this Administration will respect all agreements under this partnership, and we will do everything possible to uphold the outstanding reputation of both institutions. Our goal is to make LASU one of the 10 best universities in the world by the next ranking.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu disclosed that the LASU /CORNELL University Post Graduate Professional Certificate Programmes will offer admission to students in diverse courses that will lead to the award of the LASU/ CORNELL Executive Professional Certificate in Entrepreneurship Skills Development, Human Resources Training and Development, Innovation and Creativity, Management Studies, Marketing, Data Science and Statistics, Leadership skills, Management, among others.

“Most of the courses being offered on this collaborative platform are online, which means prospective students do not have to expend resources on travelling to the United States for the same certificate they will be issued once they have successfully completed any course of their choice,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu also commended the Special Adviser on Education, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab and his team for their creativity, passion, and commitment to moral and academic excellence in all the Lagos State owned-higher institutions.

The Governor, who also appreciated the Acting Vice Chancellor and Members of LASU Academic Community for keeping the flag flying, charged them to treat the partnership with Cornell University like a new baby that must be well nurtured and protected against any harm.