Press Releases

We Will Ensure That Our Schools Can Compete With The Best Anywhere - Fashola

Nov 17, 2008 - Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN) on Monday restated that his administration would not shirk its responsibility in the management of schools to provide the very best that resources can give towards making them compete with whatever is available anywhere.

Governor Fashola restated the commitment while inaugurating the new 22-man governing council of the Lagos State University, (LASU) Ojo headed by Mr. Akin Kekere- Ekun at the conference room of the Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja.

He added that with the caliber of men and women who make up the membership of the council, the challenge is simply that of renewing oneself like the eagle and going all out to create a new crop of best brains to whom the responsibility of the future of the country can be entrusted.

Governor Fashola explained that his administration is now reaching a very critical period when it is building infrastructure and institutions and is very mindful that the sustenance of the infrastructure and institutions require people.

Said he: “The future of our human resource for the future depends critically on the things that we are doing today. We are mindful that the sustenance of the infrastructure and the institution require people. If the institutions succeed, it is people who have succeeded and if they fail, it is the people who have failed”.

He explained that the State Government beliefs that after food, one of the most critical decisions that every parent has to make is that of the choice of which and what type of education should be given to the children or wards.

He said the issue of whether a public officer should send his children to public schools is an issue which is determined by the entrenchment of the freedom of choice in the constitution, stressing that such people must be allowed to make that very important choice for their wards or children.

He added that in making such choices, the Lagos State University has become a very focused choice for parents not only in Lagos but across Nigeria as a preferred choice for tertiary education.

Governor Fashola added that the successes so far achieved could not have been attained without the founding fathers that had the vision and without the efforts and industry of its predecessors, indicating that the challenge is to continue from where they stopped.

He expressed delight that he has the offer of service of a distinguish array of Nigerians made up lawyers, bankers, public servants, entrepreneurs who have really excelled in their choice field to serve in LASU’s governing council.

While responding on behalf of the members of the governing council, the Chairman, Mr Akin Kekere Ekun renewed its commitment to improving on what it achieved in the last four years.

He said by the time the new council completes its tenure, it would have succeeded in making the Lagos State University a preferred choice by coming up with policies that would guide the students into making them good nation builders.

While thanking the Lagos State Government for its support, Mr Kekere Ekun disclosed that the state has not interfered in the activities of the institution in the last four years.

Among the members of the governing council inaugurated by Governor Fashola are Mr Akin Kekere Ekun- Chairman, Dr Gbolahan Elias (SAN), Professor Taiwo Osipitan (SAN), Mrs Ibukun Awosika, Mr Oluwatofarati Agusto, Mr Tunde Folawiyo, Dr (Mrs) Toyin Philips, Alhaji Suleiman Adegunwa, Mr W.B.Dabiri, Mr Jim Ovia (OFR), Mrs Wonuola Folami, Mrs Adetoun Olaogun( Rep. of Min of Education).

Others are Professor Lateef Hussain (LASU VC), Professor Anetekhai Martins, Professor (Mrs) Bakre Senapon, Professor Amidu Sanni, Dr Adeleke Kasali, Mr Akin Lewis, Dr S.O. Sadiku, Professor Tudnu Amosu (Deputy Vice Chancellor), Professor John Obafunwa (Provost, College of Medicine) and Mr Oluwatoyin Oshun (Registrar/Secretary).