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  • Elumelu advocates award of degrees by Nigeria Polytechnics

    The Chairman, Transcorp Nigeria Plc, Mr Tony Elumelu, on Wednesday urged the Federal Government to empower Nigerian Polytechnics to commence the award of Bachelor of Technology degrees.

    Elumelu, represented by Mr Ayoku Liadi, Executive Director, UBA Plc, said this at a public lecture to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH), in Ikorodu.

    The topic of the lecture was: “Repositioning Technical Education For Technological Development And Food Security’’.

     

    He said that the initiative would not only attract more qualified students to vocational education but would also encourage the exchange of qualified lecturers and instructors between the two systems.

     

    Elumelu, who is also Chairman of UBA Plc, noted that the neglect of technological education had become socially and economically injurious because it was robbing the nation of the contributions such graduates could make to national development.

     

    “Technical and vocational education has continued to thrive in the East Asian nations and the industrialised countries because they have successfully introduced a future-oriented and technology-focused developments.

     

    “Nigeria and a significant number of African countries have, however, not been able to do so well for themselves in developing and harnessing this aspect of education,’’ he said.

     

    Elumelu decried that in Nigeria, too much emphasis was placed on University qualifications, not minding whether the holder possessed the required knowledge and skills, while in the advanced societies, those with technical degrees were highly regarded.

     

    He said this had resulted in a dearth of skilled technicians such as auto-mechanics, carpenters, bricklayers, laboratory and pharmacy technicians, electrical technicians, forensic, laboratory, and fingerprint technicians, among others.

     

    Elumelu said the worsening rate of unemployment and the shift in employment patterns in the country had necessitated a shift in focus from the traditional education system and the re-awakening of the importance of vocational education in manpower development and nation building.

     

    He listed the challenges confronting technical education in Nigeria to include: inadequate funding, use of obsolete equipment, inadequate and deteriorating facilities, poor library and research facilities, poor job opportunities, staff training and retention, and a poor curriculum for technical education, among others.

    Read Also: Elumelu Foundation to empower Young Entrepreneurs

     

    The UBA chairman, however, urged the government to urgently remove the dichotomy that existed between the universities and the technological institutions for manpower development and nation building.

     

    He advised that elaborate programmes should be mounted to ensure the general awareness for technological education in the citizenry and the allocation of adequate funds for the development of technical and vocational education.

     

    “Nigerian politicians and policy makers will do the nation a great favour if the foundation for a sound technological education is entrenched in the electioneering campaigns and it is consequently adjudged as one of the dividends of democracy,’’ he said.

     

    In his welcome address, Mr Samuel Sogunro, Rector, LASPOTECH, said the choice of the topic of the lecture was very apt as deteriorating situations in many parts of Africa, was becoming worrisome.

     

    “Evidence suggests that 80 per cent of Africans live on a daily income of less than two dollars, with half of this percentage struggling to survive on one dollar a day or even less,’’ he said.

     

    Sogunro noted that against the backdrop, all hands should be on deck to reposition education for technological development and food security in the country.

    In his remarks, Mr Obafela Bank-Olemoh, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Education, represented by Mr Samsudeen Allison, said the state government was responsive to the challenge of vocational and technological development.

     

    Bank-Olemoh said the government was doing this to provide adequate food and security for its over-increasing population, hence the partnership with Kebbi State for the production of Lake Rice.

     

    He said the government was also making efforts to acquire more land in other states, such as Ogun and the FCT, to give its farmers access to arable lands for more production of agricultural produce.

    The Special Adviser, however, congratulated the Polytechnic for its achievement in the past 40 years, as the celebration was a time for reflection into the past and to focus on a great future.

    NAN

  • As LASPOTECH turns 40… 

    In the last few days, there has been contagious celebratory mood at the three campuses of the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH) in Isolo, Surulere and Ikorodu. At the campuses, the joyous mood underscores the institution’s 40th anniversary of the great institution, the climax of which has been scheduled for November 22. Of course, the management of the polytechnic led by Rector, Samuel Oluyinka Sogunro has every reason to celebrate the milestone age of the reputable institution of higher learning, giving its tempestuous experience at every turns and curves in the last four decades of its existence. It’s noteworthy that LASPOTECH has survived and emerged from myriads of challenges every step of the way to wax stronger and set the pace among its contemporaries in the country.

    Established as Lagos State College of Science and Technology (LACOSTEC) via the promulgation of Lagos State Edict No. 1 of 1978 with retroactive effect from June 1, 1977, the institution commenced classes on January 3, 1978 at a temporary site (now the Isolo Campus) with five departments- Accountancy and Finance, Management and Business Studies, Insurance, Secretarial Studies and Basic Studies and later offered GCE ‘A’ Level courses in the Arts and Sciences. On August 1, 1978, the School of Agriculture in Ikorodu was merged with the polytechnic and it became the nucleus of its present–day permanent site.

    The lectures started with 287 pioneering students, but the impressive academic architecture and curriculum put in place over the years, led to a huge enrolment figure, currently standing at 20,000 full-time and part-time students, spread among seven schools- Agriculture, Communication and Liberal Studies, Engineering, Environmental Studies, Technology, Pure and Applied Sciences, Management and Business Studies; presently, the polytechnic runs 67 programmes at National Diploma(ND ) and Higher National Diploma (HND) levels.

    Perhaps, to give it a more robust outlook that could accentuate its status as an institution capable of offering management and social science courses, in 1988, the state government changed its name from Lagos State College of Science and Technology, (LACOSTEC) to Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH). In addition, the institution’s permanent site was proposed for Ikosi village, off the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, was however moved to Ikorodu in 1985, following unabated encroachment on the Ikosi campus; the relocation of the institution’s seat of administration from Isolo campus to Ikorodu finally took place in May 2000.

    It is instructive to note that despite the existence of others before it came on board, LASPOTECH, which has over the years assumed the toga of the Polytechnic of Excellence, has produced over 220, 000 students to date. Many of the former students of the polytechnic are notable job creators in the country, and this validates one of the major objectives of polytechnics as job creators. A good number of others are pillars in various sectors of Nigeria’s economy. The list includes but not limited to the immediate past Managing Director of First Bank of Nigeria Plc (FBN), Mr Bisi Onasanya; ex- Managing Director of Cornerstone Insurance Plc and NICON Insurance Plc, Mrs Funmilayo Babington-Ashaye; current Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Mrs Yetunde Onanuga, movie icon, Kunle Afolayan, Mr Rotimi Edu, Chairman, Quicklink Insurance, the late thespian, Aishat Mohammed; music star, Adekunle Kosoko aka Adekunle Gold; winner of African Movie Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVC), Tunji Afolayan and award-winning investigative reporter and Head of Crime Desk at The Nation newspaper, Olukunle Akinrinade.

    In recognition of its stoic strides in academic development, the institution’s Department of Mass Communication was decorated as Center of reference in Journalism training by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). The no mean achievement has further led to the establishment of a radio station- 101.9 FM for the training of students and broadcast to the school community-the first of its kind among numerous polytechnics in the country. In no distant future, the polytechnic might morph into a degree awarding citadel of learning as plans are underway to turn it into University Polytechnic of Technology, the fruition of which, again would make it the numero uno in the country.

    Of late, the capacity development initiatives of the management has yielded fruits and transformed into increasing number of Ph.D holders on the academic staff roll call. Currently, the polytechnic boasts over 40 lecturers with doctorate degrees, spread across established departments in the institution, while another 36 lecturers are rounding off their PhD theses. The polytechnic has also hosted international conferences and seminars- the latest being International Conference on Infrastructural Development in Africa (ICIDA).

    Despite being buffeted by limited resources, the institution has retained the core values of practical and innovative research-based training, which are the hallmark of polytechnic education, world over. In sync with the practical training mandate, LASPOTECH collaborated with notable strategic technology- driven corporate and public partners including Julius Berger (which built the Engineering theatre/auditorium), Huawei Technologies, Chams Plc, AFRIFONE, International College of Aeronautics and Aviation Studies, Republic of South-Korea, just to mention few.

    It will be a disservice to those on whose toil and sweat the school was built and flourished to date, if their names are not mentioned in this piece. Indeed, many of the institution’s helmsmen, past and present bequeathed legacy projects, which have translated to the iconic performance of its students and the polytechnic in particular. The journey began with Dr. Hakeem Oseni, who served as the pioneer Principal from 1977 to 1980, followed by Mrs. A. Akinla , Principal (1981-1982); Dr. M.O Abdul , Principal ( 1982-1984);  late Dr. (Mrs.) H.O. Anjonrin,  Rector ( 1984- 1991); late Engr. Bola Oloro , Rector (1991-1999); Engr. Anthony Olawunmi Gasper, Rector (1999-2007); late Engr. Cosmas O. Odunaiya , Rector designate 2007;  Ayodeji Babatunde Iginla, Rector (2007-2011); Dr. Abdulazeez Abioye Lawal, Rector (2011-2015) and Samuel Oluyinka Sogunro , Rector (2015 to date).The list would be incomplete without the name of one of the Fellows of the polytechnic, former military governor of Lagos State, Brigader-General Mobolaji Johnson, and others for their uncommon supports for the institution over the years.

    Without exaggerating, the polytechnic has benefitted immensely from the wealth of experience of seasoned academia and administrators, appointed as Chairmen of Governing Council. These men of impeccable character and honour include the pathfinder, Justice L. J. Dosunmu, (1977 – 1979); Alhaji H. A. Hakeem Habeeb, (1979 – 1981); Engr. O. .A Babayeju, (1983 – 1984); Prof. N. O. Adedipe, (1985 – 1987); Engr. F. O. Santos; (1988 – 1990); Prof. Kunle Ade-Wahab; (1990 – 1992);    Engr. (Dr.) Femi Anibaba; (1992 – 1994); Engr. Ranti Adewale, (1994 – 1999); Prof. Olubode Leigh, (1999 – 2006); Prof. Olumide Ajose; (2006 – 2012) and Prof. Tajudeen G. O. Gbadamosi, (2015 to date). Several employees of the institution have also contributed immensely to the growth of the polytechnic through their dedication to work, loyalty and diligence through the years.

    Like a dutiful shepherd that looks after his sheep diligently, the state government has continued to look after LASPOTECH and ensured its sustenance and growth over the years. The supports including prompt payment of salaries, statutory allocations and accreditation of all programmes have made LASPOTECH the best state polytechnic in everything, so much so that other state-owned polytechnics in the country are exchanging notes with its management on how to run a 21st century polytechnic. It is for these various supports and interventions that the Lagos State Government deserves praises for living up to its responsibilities as Moderator of the institution.

    Away from the relatively impressive strides of LASPOTECH, it has become compelling to overhaul decrepit infrastructure and facilities at the three campuses. Some of these facilities, particularly those inherited from the defunct School of Agriculture in Ikorodu campus should be given facelift and modern touch. It would be delusional to think that the management and state government could do this alone; No. A number of interventions have been done in the polytechnic in recent times by the alumni association and their efforts are commendable. However, as one of the strategic stakeholders of the polytechnic, it would not be out of place to ask the association to offer more interventions by carrying out more developmental projects in the institution.

    Foreign and local companies can also help to engender development of the institution by partnering LASPOTECH to boost their operations, specific capacity building, equipment sourcing and fabrication as well as content generation for service providers, which in turn would boost commerce and the country’s economy. For instance, a number of equipment and devices including palm oil processing plant, break wear sensor on automobile, multi-purpose juice extractor, intelligent traffic light were fabricated and invented by academic trainers in the institution. Companies or organisations in need of these equipment or similar devices have the opportunity to approach the polytechnic for mass production of their specific equipment thereby saving a lot of hard currency that could have been used to import the equipment from western countries.

    At 40, LASPOTECH has achieved so much and this is the reason why the management deserves garlands. This landmark anniversary without doubt will make an encore as the journey towards the golden celebration begins from now on.

    • Kuye is the Deputy Registrar, Public Relations & Information of Lagos State Polytechnic, Ikorodu

  • Mum threatens to sue LASPOTECH over son’s assault

    Mother of a student of Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH) allegedly assaulted by the school’s security men on July 11 for wearing earrings has threatened to go to court.

    Ms Folake Sokoya said she was injured when she went to enquire why her son, Boluwatife Olowu, was beaten up.

    She described as false LASPOTECH’s claim that she attacked its security men.

    In a statement, she said she had video and photographs to prove her case.

    Boluwatife is a National Diploma II student in the Hospitality Management Technology Department.

    The statement reads: “Reading through the purported press release, I find it misleading and false as the narrative of the Public Relations officer (PRO) does not depict the true account of what happened that day.

    “It may interest the general public to know that there are pictorial and video evidences on the true account of what transpired between both parties that fateful day.

    “The pictures of how I was battered with my son are enough evidence that their publication is false and misleading. My son and I were not in an accident but were battered mercilessly by LASPOTECH guards. I have resorted to seeking legal redress in quest for justice and my lawyer has been consulted and briefed on the matter.”

    In a petition, Sokoya said she lost some valuables to the attack.

    She said her son’s $300; stud earring, N70,000 earrings, a gold chain and pendant worth $800, a swatch wristwatch ($250) were lost. She claimed that her two Samsung J3 prime phones worth N40,000 each got damaged.

    The school denied the allegations in an earlier statement by its Deputy Registrar (Information and Public Relations) Olanrewaju Kuye.

    It described Ms Sokoya as the aggressor, alleging that she attacked its security men when she came to the school over the seizure of her son’s earrings.

  • LASPOTECH: our security didn’t assault student’s mother

    The Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH) has denied a report that its security men assaulted Mrs Folake Shokoya, the mother of one of its student, Bolutife Olowu, on July 11 at its Ikorodu campus.

    Mrs Shokoya had claimed that she was assaulted by men of the polytechnic’s security unit when she responded to a call from Olowu, a National Diploma II student of the Hospitality Management Technology Department, that they beat him for wearing earrings on campus.

    The mother said she ended up with a broken lip, bruises and torn clothes from the alleged assault.

    But in a statement, Deputy Registrar (Information and Public Relations) Olanrewaju Kuye said Mrs Shokoya allegedly attacked the security guards and refused all entreaties to settle the issue amicably.

    The statement reads: “On Wednesday, July 11, at 4:30 p.m, a male student, Olowu Bolutife, (National Diploma II, Hospitality Management Technology Department) was apprehended by the security personnel and refused entry into the Ikorodu Campus for wearing earrings, which is totally against the dress ethics of the institution.

    “Further instructions to remove the earrings, if he desired to enter the campus, were rebuffed by him, and he was subsequently taken to the Chief Security Officer’s (CSO’s) office.

    “The CSO eventually warned him and was placed on security watch for seven days to further determine his ‘identity’ on campus and was released to go thereafter.

    “Exactly two hours later, a woman who was later identified as Mrs. Folake Shokoya, came to the security office in company of the student. Initially, she requested to see the CSO over a message from the Commanding Officer of 174 Battalion, Odogunyan (Ikorodu). She, however, ran out of patience when the student diverted her attention to a security officer, Mr. Moses Hitler, who earlier seized his earrings.

    “She queried him for the ‘effrontery’ he had for seizing her son’s earrings, assaulted him, tore his clothes and slapped him severally and scattered the office in the Security Unit.

    “All efforts to release the officer from her grip were seriously met with stiff opposition as she displayed a rare effrontery to face anyone who attempted to stop her.

    “The CSO was alerted by the noise and rushed to pacify the situation. Despite the action of the CSO, she continued to exhibit her hooligan demeanour, scattering everywhere.

    “As that was on, the Commanding Officer of 174 Battalion called to appeal on her behalf and requested for settlement, which the CSO considered; he settled the fracas she created.

    “Surprisingly, after the settlement, she reported at the Sagamu Road Police Station of an assault on her.

    “I wish to state here emphatically that the security personnel of the polytechnic will not assault anyone, neither will they deny access to any student who is well dressed and well behaved.”

  • LASPOTECH denies its security assaulted student’s mother

    The Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH) has denied that its security men assaulted Mrs Folake Shokoya, mother of one of its student, Bolutife Idowu, on July 11, 2018 at the institution’s Ikorodu campus.

    The mother had claimed that she was assaulted by men of the polytechnic’s security unit when she responded to a call from Idowu, a National Diploma II student of the Hospitality Management Technology Department, that they beat him for wearing earrings to the campus.

    Mrs Shokoya reported that she ended up with a broken lip, bruises and torn clothes as a result of the assault.

    However, the Deputy Registrar, Information and Public Relations, Olanrewaju Kuye, said in a statement that Mrs Shokoya had attacked the security guards instead and refused all entreaties to settle the issue amicably.

    The statement made available to The Nation on Monday, reads: “

    “On Wednesday, 11th July, 2018 at about 4:30pm, a male student; Olowu Bolutife (National Diploma II, Hospitality Management Technology Department) was apprehended by the security personnel and refused entry into the Ikorodu Campus for wearing earrings which is totally against the dress ethics of the Institution.

    “Further instructions to remove the earrings if he desired to enter the campus were rebuffed by him, and he was subsequently taken to the Chief Security Officer’s (CSO) office.

    “The CSO eventually warned him and was placed on security watch for seven days to further determine his “identity” on campus and was released to go thereafter.

    Read Also: LASPOTECH students endorse Ambode for second term

    “Exactly two hours later, a woman who was later identified as Mrs. Folake Shokoya came to the security office in company of the student. Initially, she requested to see the CSO over a message from commanding Officer 174 Battalion, Odogunyan. She however ran out of patience when the so-called student diverted her attention to the security personnel Mr. Moses Hitler that earlier seized his earrings. She queried him for the effrontery he had for seizing the son’s earrings, assaulted him, tore his clothes and slapped him severally and scattered the whole office in the Security Unit.

    “All efforts to release the officer from her grip was seriously met with stiff opposition as she displayed a rare effrontery to face anyone that attempted to stop her.

    “The CSO was alerted by the noise and rushed to pacify the situation. Despite the action of the CSO, she continued to exhibit her hooligan demeanor, scattering everywhere.

    “As that was on, the Commanding Officer 174 Battalion called to appeal on her behalf and requested for settlement, which the CSO considered and settled the fracas she created.

    “Surprisingly after the settlement, she later reported again at the Sagamu road Police Station to complain of an assault on her.

    ‘I wish to state here emphatically that the security personnel of the Polytechnic will not assault anyone neither will they deny entrance access to any student who is well dressed and well behaved.”

  • Actors mourn as ‘Omoge Campus’ passes on

    The Yoruba sector of the Nigerian movie industry has once again been thrown into grief following the demise of one of its major players, Aisha Ibrahim, popularly known as Omoge Campus.

    According to information, the thespian passed away in Canada, on Tuesday, May 15.

    The demise of the mother of two was announced by her colleague, Bisola Badmus, who shared her picture on Instagram with the caption “Unquestionably God RIP Omoge Campus. Gone so soon RIP omogecampus”.

    It was reported that the deceased died of breast cancer in Canada.

    Since the announcement her colleagues have been uploading her pictures, to pay their respects.

    Actor/Producer Kunle Afod wrote, “Hmmmm… Another sad one…I never prayed to use.. R.I.P or GONE TOO SOON on my page again…I decided to celebrate my colleagues and appreciate them on my page not until we die or fall sick before we post each other’s picture … Now Aisha Abimbola is gone. Am still in shock .Omoge campus … what really happened? GOD not again; almost same time with Moji Olaiya and Canada again …Sun re ooo…”

    Another actress Liz Da Silva asking for the late actress to be prayed for wrote, “So sad and unbelievable. RIP Aunty Aisha. Vanity upon vanity; hmmmm Please pray for her.”

    Born in Epe, Lagos lsland, Lagos state, the graduate of Hotel Management, from Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH), shot into limelight with the movie, Omoge Campus.

    Apart from her acting career, the deceased also ran a catering business.

    It is quite unfortunate as it is about this time last year that late Moji Olaiya passed on in the same country after the delivery of her second daughter.

  • LASPOTECH students endorse Ambode for second term

    Students of the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH) have endorsed Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos for a second term in office.

    The students led by the President of the Students’ Union Government (SUG), Jubril Adewale, in a statement made available to The Nation on the launch of the “Direct Campaign & Enlightenment (DiCE)’’ initiative in Ikorodu, said endorsing the governor for a second term was borne out of the need to ensure he continued his education improvement drive in the state.

    The union also said the initiative will sensitise residents and students on the need to register and collect Permanent Voters Card,(PVCs).

     

    He said the DiCE initiative was aimed at engaging students on a one on one basis, convincing, persuading and arming them with information on the governor’s achievements in the education sector, to enable them in turn engage their parents.

    “We are here today representing the 25,000 students of this great citadel of learning and excellence to say that Gov. Ambode should continue with his good work and determination to make education in the state the hallmark of excellence in Nigeria”.

    “The Governor has proven beyond reasonable doubts, his concern for the sustenance of qualitative educational system in Lagos State”.

    “LASPOTECH has benefited immensely from the administration in the area of the ‘Ready-Set-Work’ initiative, an education value added scheme for tertiary institutions in Lagos”.

    “He has also completed the construction of Block ‘A’ of the School of Technology Complex as well as approved the construction of drainages and car parks for the complex, all of which are ongoing.’’

    He added that other abandoned projects set for completion by the governor included the construction of a High Capacity Auditorium, Construction of an Administrative Block and Sports Complex.

    He therefore solicited the support of students and residents in the state to ensure they register and collect their Permanent Voters’ Card to enable them cast their votes during the 2019 General Elections.

    Also speaking on the DiCE initiative, Semiu Balogun, the Union’s Public Relations Officer said the initiative is hinged on the institution’s 25,000 student population to achieve its goal to have the governor re-elected.

    “We are practically preparing our 25,000 students (part time and full time), to convince at least two parents each with the direct campaign and enlightenment; you can not underestimate the multiplier effects of this initiative.

    “In addition to canvassing for votes, we would monitor and sensitise the student populace on the need to register and collect their PVC because a vote canvassed without a PVC is sheer waste of time and resources.

    “We shall sensitise the public on registration and collection of PVC and consolidate it with canvassing for votes using the DiCE initiative, which is neither a hired nor an accidental idea.

    “It is the Union’s ingenuity, passion to support the re-election bid of Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode and our strategy goes beyond rhetorics and showmanship; but a complete practical approach to winning election,’’ he said. (NAN)

  • LASPOTECH to graduate 6,355

    LASPOTECH to graduate 6,355

    The Lagos State Polytechnic will on Thursday graduate 6,355 students.

    The Rector, Mr. Samuel Sogunro, stated this at a news conference to announce the institution’s 26th convocation ceremony.

    Of this number, 211 earned a distinction; 1,368 got upper credit; 3,505 got lower credit while 1,271 obtained a pass degree.

    According to him, the weeklong cermonies would begin with an interdenominational service, convocation dinner/variety show, convocation lecture, novelty football match, and a convocation play, among others.

    Sogunro recalled that the polytechnic, which opened its doors in 1978 with 257 students across five programmes, now owns a radio station, consistent power supply, a re-accreditation to operate as JAMB CBT centre; a large scale farming and TETFund-sponsored institution-based research, among others.

  • Tension at LASPOTECH as guards kill dismissed student

    Tension at LASPOTECH as guards kill dismissed student

    There was tension yesterday at the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH), Ikorodu, over the killing of an expelled student suspected to be a cultist by security men.

    Ahmed Amoo, 20, was expelled five months ago for alleged cultism and examination malpractice.

    It was gathered that Amoo, who was a National Diploma 11 student in the Department of Mass Communication before his dismissal, stormed the school on Tuesday evening with people described as his gang members.

    Amoo and his gang, a source said, went to a gathering of Business Administration freshers, who were having their orientation night, and robbed them of their money, phones and other valuables.

    A source said: “As the cultists were robbing the students, the security men were alerted and they rushed to the scene. When the robbers saw the security men, they fled but they were chased and two of them, Ayewunmi Daniel and Rilwan Adewale were arrested.

    “The security men went after Amoo and they tried to disarm him. He was holding a battle axe and when he resisted, they shot him on the leg.

    “He was eventually taken to Ikorodu General Hospital where he died early  yesterday. Some of the items they stole from the students were recovered.”

    The source said Amoo’s parents were invited to the school and briefed.

    “There has been tension in the school since Tuesday night. Students are scared that Amoo’s gang members might launch a reprisal attack. There are rumours that the cultists have started grouping. They attacked the school yesterday but the police dispersed them.  The case was reported at Shagamu Road Police Station, Ikorodu.”

    The school’s spokesman, Lanre Kuye confirmed the incident, saying : “Around 6pm some hoodlums stormed the school to extort, kidnap and steal from students. Security men in the school were alerted and they stormed the scene.

    “They chased the hoodlums up to the first gate of the school. On getting there, they realised there was another batch of hoodlums. There was an exchange of gun fire and one of the hoodlums was shot.

    “He died Wednesday (yesterday) morning at the general hospital. He was discovered to be an expelled student of the school. Most of the hoodlums are rusticated students from the school.”

    Police spokesman, Chike Oti, a Superintendent (SP) said those arrested had been moved to the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS) in Ikeja. Normalcy, he added,  has returned to the school.

  • LASPOTECH to get 5000-seater auditorium

    •School holds matriculation 

    The Rector of the Lagos State Polytechnic, Ikorodu, Samuel Sogunro, has disclosed the state government’s plan to commence the building of a 5000-capacity auditorium, the administrative building and the completion of the abandoned ultra modern sports complex for the school.

    He said Lagos State Governor Akinwummi Ambode had issued directives for the preparation of the projects which would commence this year, having been embedded in the 2018 budget.

    Sogunro said the project is a fulfillment of Ambode’s promise at the school’s 25th convocation last year.

    Sogunro, who spoke at the 2017/2018 matriculation of part-time students of Laspotech at the weekend, praised Ambode for being supportive to the growth of the school.

    Sogunro also appreciated Lagos State Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs for providing equipment to the school’s community radio station which would be commissioned soon.

    He said as part of the institution’s new measure towards addressing job insecurity in the country, the new students would undergo a mandatory Agricultural Studies, an indigenous programme recently approved by the polytechnic‘s Academic Board.

    Also, they would participate in the compulsory Students’ Empowerment Entrepreneurship Schemes (SEES), and the Compulsory Computer Education (CCE) programme as directed by the school’s Academic Board and National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), the regulatory body for polytechnics and its affiliate nationwide.

    He warned them to desist from anti social behaviours  and extortion of money or items from fellow students.

    “If it is the desire of any bonafide students to belong to any of the associations, I urge you to take the right step in the right direction. Progressive associations promote peace and academic excellence but eschew gangsterism and violence. This clarification is necessary in view of the rampant incidence of cult- related activities in most tertiary institutions in Nigeria today,” Sogunro warned.

    While urging them to abide by their matriculation oath, Sogunro added that the school has approved a two sessions comprising six semesters for all part time students. Henceforth the duration for part time studies is two years as against the previous duration of three years, Sogunro concluded.