Speeches

17th Convocation Of Lagos State Polytechnic

Mar 5, 2009 - We are here today to celebrate one of the touchstones of national development. In fact I will not be too off the mark. I describe this as the very important cornerstone of our socio-economic and political development. In the world over, tertiary institutions have occupied a central place in the history of scientific advancement and technological breakthroughs. This is why it is my delight to join the Council, Management, Staff, the graduands, students body and well-wishers at this great occasion and history-making moments for our children.

Part of the vision of the founding fathers of this great institution has been to produce for the nation, highly skilled and self sustaining human capital resources, to drive its economy and contribute purposefully to its industrialization. What we are witnessing here today therefore, is in furtherance of this noble ideal. For three decades, Lagos State Polytechnic has consistently turned out quality graduates who over the years, have made their marks in virtually every sphere of human endeavour, including engineering, technology, applied sciences and management.

The 17th Convocation of the Lagos State Polytechnic therefore, is an attestation of its success story and continued impact on the nation’s economy, especially in the past thirty years.

While congratulating all graduands on this occasion, may I also urge you all to put into practical demonstration the intellectual and problem solving skills you have acquired in the course of your academic pursuit in the Polytechnic. The journey indeed, has just begun. You have not only been taught the rudiments of success in various fields, but have also been provided with the necessary skills and tools to succeed in life; improve your lot and those of your dependants. This maxim, which is a paraphrase of your polytechnic’s motto, should spur you to greater heights in your future endeavours as true ambassadors of your college and a role model to those coming after you. Therefore, as you step out of this great Institution, you are expected to make your impact on the society.

Going by the level of training and skills you have acquired during your studies, you have undoubtedly been equipped to be job providers and not job seekers: To create employment where none exist; thereby creating wealth and further contributing to growing the economy.

Education is crucial and vital to effective human and social development in the society. It not only exposes the mind to knowledge but also focuses on maximizing an individual’s potential in terms of his or her growth and development. No society develops without a vibrant education system in place, an educational system that is well-rounded and functional.

Without mincing words, the challenges of modern societies demand of us all the need to re-appraise and redesign our educational curriculum in line with modern challenges in global economy, to suit our peculiar socio-economic and technological needs, as a people and as a nation. In other words, our educational system should be such that provides adequately for the socio-economic and political needs of our people.

Incidentally, this Convocation is coming at a crucial period of global economic and financial crisis. The challenges of the present reality should serve to provide us an opportunity to look inward, re-invent ourselves as a people and as a nation, and be more purposeful and determined in transforming our economy. The old saying about necessity being the mother of invention should be true for us all at this defining moment of global financial meltdown. It is in crisis that opportunities open up for service and wealth creation. Life will continue to be lived on all aspects which means more, not less in demands of needs and services which will have to be met. The onus therefore lies on us all to be alive to our collective and individual responsibilities as active members of the society.

The government cannot do it alone. The task of nation building rests on every member of the society, as no society progresses without the meaningful contributions of its men and women of vision and goodwill. If we must therefore achieve economic growth and development, it is essential to emphasize on developing the right human capital resources, with the right mental capacity to drive the economy and move the nation forward.

To all employers of labour, I urge you to keep faith with our economy. The current financial crisis is a phase that requires more creativity and better vision from us as corporate organisations, individual and public institutions. Nigeria has the natural and manpower resources which God has blessed us with abundantly. Perhaps, now is time to re-affirm our collective commitment to the goal of national development, particularly tertiary educational institutions which contribute to development and progress through research, investigation and study.

On our part, we shall continue to respond appropriately to the socio-economic welfare and well-being of our people within the limit of available resources. Our ongoing efforts at transforming the State to a functional mega-city require the support and cooperation of all and sundry. We seek your understanding and cooperation, and urge you to partner with us in our collective efforts to transform Lagos to an African Model-Mega City that we all shall be proud of.

Let me at this point commend the efforts and contributions of the governing council led by its indefatigable Chairman, Prof. Simeon Ajose and the Rector of this great institution of higher learning, Mr. Ayodeji Babatunde Iginla, on the success achieved so far and for the way and manner they have piloted the affairs of this great Institution. As the Governor of Lagos State, and moderator of the Lagos State Polytechnic, I assure you of the support of the State government and our continued efforts at transforming the Polytechnic to a vibrant centre of learning and a force to be reckoned with not only in Nigeria, but also on the Continent of Africa.

I wish to also commend all students of this institution, for maintaining the peace and sustaining the cordial relations and understanding that exist between you all and the management of this institution. I urge you to continue in this spirit and maintain your good behavior since it is only in such an atmosphere your own success and progress will continually be guaranteed.

To all graduands, once again, I congratulate you on this achievement. As mentioned earlier, the journey has just commenced. As you step out of this Institution, I urge you to be good ambassadors of the Lagos State Polytechnic, where ever you may find yourself. I charge you to rise up to your challenges and limitations, and reach for the height of your dream and success in life. I strongly believe that there are no limitations to a determined and courageous mind. Therefore, you should remain focused and determined and the sky shall truly be your starting point. To all the staff who were honoured and rewarded for serving for 25years, more power to your elbow. The Lagos State government hold its teachers in high esteem and would therefore appeal that dialogue rather than confrontation should be embraced in the resolution of any issue at all times. The education of our youths is too precious a project to be made the subject of avoidable crisis that jeopardizes their future and ultimately the progress and development of society.

We are a responsible and responsive government which takes the welfare of its workers and citizens as a matter of priority. With our hands joined and our faces focused on the goals ahead and our minds determined to achieve the goals, a brighter rewarding future beckons on us all.

I thank you very much for your listening attention.

Eko O Ni Baje.

BABATUNDE RAJI FASHOLA (SAN)
GOVERNOR, LAGOS STATE