About 10 higher institutions in Lagos State have endorsed the candidature of the State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the presidential flagbearer of APC, Mr Bola Tinubu.
The tertiary institutions that gave their nod include; Lagos State University (LASU), Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) among others.
At the mega rally that has over 10,000 students at Mobolaji Johnson Arena Onikan Lagos, the leadership of the Student Unions with support of the umbrella body, NANS, said the endorsement was informed by unprecedented investments by the Governor Sanwo-Olu led Administration in the education sector.
They mentioned that the Administration introduced face-lifting policies which led to upgrade of institutions in the State, raising the standards of higher learning, as Mr Bola Tinubu must also be commended for setting a template of quality education for the State.
The Chairman of National Association of Nigerian Students NANS, Lagos State Chapter, Mr. Olusesi Tolulope, expressed confidence in the administration of Governor Sanwo-Olu in the development of education.
According to him “No student in Lagos State will ever say our Governor has not done anything. We appreciate you for the upgrading you did. The upgrading was a top notch. We have a governor that cares so much about us; that has continued the educational platform built by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
Super-active
Representing the National body of Students Union, the National Public Relations Officer, National Association of Nigerian Students NANS, Comrade Yisa Giwa, described Sanwo-Olu as “working, super-active Governor”, appreciating him, his deputy and cabinet members.
Giwa who acknowledged the infrastructure development in higher institutions of learning in the State said that the Governor has made mark in that sector.
Bursary grant
The President, National Union of Lagos State Students, Comrade, Charleswell Ogbela appreciated the Governor, recognising the payment of bursary and grant for scholarships for indigenous students of the State.
Ogbela explained that the bursary paid to indigenous students was increased by 100 percent to N50,000 from N25,000 by the Sanwo-Olu led Administration.
He assured millions of votes from Lagos indigenous students constituency, mentioning that the standard of State Universities have been raised under the Administration.
The student union leadership also appreciated the Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, acknowledging his commitment and leadership to student affairs in all the tertiary institutions in Lagos.
About future
Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed delight over the endorsement, saying the gathering was about the future of the students to ensure a wellbeing for them.
“I want to thank you all your leadership that has put this together. I want to thank you for coming to validate all what you have been doing in your various schools.
“We are just starting. The agenda for greater Lagos is rising in our education, in our tertiary institutions and our secondary schools and it will touch each and every one.” he said
The Governor recalled that during the last strike embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities ASUU, non of the State institution down tools because his administration was taking care of the students and lecturers.
According to him “When there was strike and the country was shut down, you didn’t lose one day. You were working and you were working very well. We have moved from one university to three universities.
“I handed the biggest students arcade in the whole country to you. Today, we are giving additional buses for you. We want your life to be meaningful. This endorsement, we are not going to take it for granted. We will support you and give you the enabling environment.”
Sanwo-Olu said that the gathering is about the future of the youth and education in the State.
“What we are doing here today is about your future. It is about giving opportunity to you, you have no any other country. It is for us to create an ambience so that your future will be better. That is why you want to support us.
“We want to compete with the world. Lagos State University LASU is the best in the country. The other two will also compete as the best in the world.” he explained.
He promised them that the slogan of his reelection tagged “A Greater Lagos Rising” has been articulated to ensure development to create ample opportunities with enabling environment for students to maximise their potentials.
The Governor however launched a fleet of buses for the students’ use to boost transportation in their various campuses.
Lateefah Ibrahim
