The Nation Newspaper

Tag: LASPOTECH

  • Kudos to The Nation and LASPOTECH

    SIR: I want to thank The Nation for its role in the release of my Higher National Diploma (HND) result by the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH).

    I wrote a complaint letter over protracted delay in the release of my result since August 2013 and sent it to several newspapers in the country. But only The Nation published the letter to my chagrin. Lo and behold, the deputy registrar of LASPOTECH called me to come and pick my result on that very day, saying it was ready since April. I was very shocked, yet very glad within. What a power of the press!

    The speed at which my result was released following the letter in The Nation was unprecedented. I would surely have continued to lament over the long delay if I had not sent the letter.

    Surprisingly, the deputy registrar did not only assist me in going through the stressful processes of result collection, he also made sure that I did not spend much time in getting my result.

    Therefore, I express my gratitude to The Nation for its advocacy role, LASPOTECH management for being sensitive to the plight of hapless Nigerians. I will forever be grateful to The Nation.

     

    • Ogunbona Abisola Aishat

    Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta

  • LASPOTECH, release my HND result

    SIR: I want to use this medium to appeal to the authorities of Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH) to release my Higher National Diploma (HND) results after successfully completing my studies in August 2013. I read Business Administration at Alagbado Annex of LASPOTECH. My Matriculation No:  BAM/HND/ALG/010/159

    Students who did their National Diploma (ND) at LASPOTECH have got their results since but others that did our ND in other polytechnics are yet to get our results. I did my ND at D.S Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic, Ogun State.

    I did my clearance successfully and met necessary requirements. I have visited the Faculty of Part-Time Studies at Ikorodu campus several times. I also complained to the Director of Studies (DOS) of Alagbado Annex to look into this unwarranted delay.

    It is no gainsaying that the delay in the release of my results has cost me gainful employment. Worried by this ugly incident, I appeal to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, LASPOTECH management and DOS of Alagbado Annex to help look into this protracted problem and see to the immediate release of our results.

     

    • Ogunbona, Abisola Aishat

     Oke Ilewo, Abeokuta,

    Ogun State.

  • I’ll develop LASPOTECH, says rector

    I’ll develop LASPOTECH, says rector

    Lagos State Polytechnic Rector Samuel Sogunro has promised to improve the school’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

    He made the promise yesterday at his official inauguration as the 10th rector.

    The rector said his administration would focus on agricultural sources of generating funds and partnerships with foreign and local institutions.

    “My strategies include: “Constitution of Agro-Allied Business Think Tank to resuscitate palm oil production, establishment of profit-yielding rabbitry, piggery, poultry and fish farming businesses, installation of high-calibre bakery and commercialisation of bread and water production by the School of Technology, among others.”

    The rector, who resumed office on June 1, said efforts had already begun in achievement of these.

    He acknowledged the achievements of his predecessor, Dr Abdulazeez Lawal, and promised to walk in his “exemplary strides”.

    Sogunro promised to uphold entrepreneurship in the academics, intensify research activities, improve teaching and learning facilities and infrastructure, provision of internet facilities and ensuring that transcripts, certificates, letters of completion and other such documents are promptly processed and released.

  • LASPOTECH gets 10th rector

    LASPOTECH gets 10th rector

    Mr. Samuel Oluyinka Sogunro, has succeeded Dr Abdulazeez Lawal as the 10th rector of the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH).

    He was the Deputy Rector (Administration) from April 26, 2013 before his elevation.

    The appointment took effect from June 1, this year.

    Sogunro, who hails from Lagos Island Local Government, attended Ansar-Ud-Deen Grammar School, Surulere (1975), Jubril Martins Memorial Grammar School, Iponri (WASC, 1980); Ansar-Ud-Deen College, Isolo (Higher School Certificate -HSC, 1983); University of Lagos (B.Ed, Mathematics Education, 1987, and MSc Statistics (1996).

    His career  in LASPOTECH began in January 1990 as Lecturer III in the Department of Mathematics.  He was promoted Lecturer II (October 1, 1993); Lecturer I (October 1, 1996); Senior Lecturer (October 1, 1999); Principal Lecturer (October 1, 2005); and Chief Lecturer (August 11, 2010).

    Sogunro served as the Director, Academic Planning from December 2010 to April 2013, when he became Deputy Rector.

    Sogunro has several publications to his credit.

    He is a member of the Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered); Mathematical Association of Nigeria (MAN); Nigerian Mathematical Society (NMS), and Nigerian Statistical Association (NSA).

    Sogunro is a  Fellow of the Royal Statistical Society, United Kingdom (FRSS) and Institute of Classic Entrepreneurship, Nigeria (FICENT).

  • I surpassed my expectations at LASPOTECH, says ex-rector

    I surpassed my expectations at LASPOTECH, says ex-rector

    As Dr Abdulazeez Lawal bids farewell to the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH), he takes pride in his achievements and refutes allegations of fraud and highhandedness, reports KOFOWOROLA BELO-OSAGIE.

    DR Abdulazeez Abioye Lawal bowed out as the rector of the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH) yesterday after a tenure he described as one that has strengthened the foundation of the polytechnic for future successes.

    For that, he told The Nation in an interview that he is grateful – especially as his focus at the beginning four years ago was just to stabilise an institution he met in crisis.

    “When I assumed this position, my goal mainly was (to change) what I found in existence which was serious financial crisis – financial crisis that we could not pay part time lecturers for even two, three semesters. Honorarium for semester, we could not pay; examination allowance, we could not pay; pension, we could not remit. We met a lot of liabilities.  Sincerely, my goal was to ensure that at least I will stabilise the polytechnic and if I will be able to improve a bit on the human capacity and improve on the ICT and improve on the infrastructure, I think I have achieved.

    “But by the grace of God today I have achieved beyond my expectation because I am an accidental rector.  I didn’t conceive that I will become this rector and as a result of that I had no strategic plan when I became the rector. It was when I became the rector that I formed a committee that we started coming out with a strategic plan.”

    Lawal is credited for massively developing infrastructure in the institution’s main campus in Ikorodu, which prior to his tenure boasted mostly of small bungalows.  However a source in the polytechnic (who does not wish to be named) noted that once in the saddle, he claimed years of un-accessed grants from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and used it to provide the institution with much needed infrastructure. He also got funding from the Lagos State government and endowments.

    The result was the construction of modern lecture theatres, provision of relevant equipment for various laboratories, as well as the development of a directorate for Information Communication Technology (ICT).

    In his address at the institution’s 23rd convocation on April 9, 2015, Lawal listed over 20 infrastructural projects he was able to complete during his tenure.

    He told The Nation that the institution is now ideal for teaching and learning.

    “When we moved the seat of administration to Ikorodu in 2000, we had little development there.  But today, the Ikorodu campus is an ideal academic environment.  We have been able to develop the physical infrastructure.  We have been able to provide modern equipment for virtually all the departments within the polytechnic, especially in the field of engineering.  We have also been able to provide modern lecture theatres for the School of Agriculture and the School of Management and Administration to the extent that some of the institutions outside Lagos come to Ikorodu to look at the facilities in our modern lecture theatres,” he said.

    Lawal also takes pride in the academic culture being established in the institution as a result of training.  He said the TETFund training grant came in handy in this regard as well.

    However, the rector’s tenure was not without its challenges, especially towards the end.  Last month, one Adelaja Waheed Aderibigbe of the Council Affairs Unit, Registry Department of the polytechnic petitioned former Governor Babatunde Fashola to investigate allegations leveled against him.  They included: claims of highhandedness, persecution of perceived enemies, financial recklessness, and imposition of an anointed candidate as his successor.  He was even alleged to own a company that handled contracts for the polytechnic.

    Debunking the allegations, Lawal said the claim of highhandedness and persecution were from lecturers who were properly investigated and punished according to due process having been found guilty of offences ranging from sexual harassment to mutilation of examination scripts.

    Lawal also said he could defend how the institution’s money was spent, saying: “In my own management we have access to records.  I strongly believe that I was prudent in the sense that my distracters put me on my toes. Because whatever I wanted to do, they will have the photocopies of these things. I do things which I can defend anywhere and any day.”

    Regarding the appointment of a new rector for the polytechnic, Lawal said he did not influence the selection process for his successor.  He said due process was followed throughout by the selection team which was made up of some executive council members of the former governor, three commissioners, a former recto, three rectors from other polytechnics, and a consulting firm, Philips Consulting.

    Lawal added that he did not award contracts to any firm of his own but on merit.

    “I have no hand in the selection of any successor. My prayer is that the person who will continue with my good work will be selected by the governor. Then I have no company, if I have company you will see the number of houses that I should have by now. Before I became the rector I was financially okay because that is my style. I lecture and I get money everywhere and I am a trainer, consultant. The only thing which I do is that I ensure that when you want to award contract particularly TETFUND project you award with those who would be able to deliver. I do not put sentiments. I ensure that if you are unable to deliver with tetfund you will not be able to access more,” he said.

    In future, he hopes LASPOTECH would evolve from being an institution claimed to be owned by a group of people to one that serves the whole state.

    He said: “It is high time we changed our orientation. If you look at the Lagos State University (LASU) the Aworis will believe LASU belongs to them; if you look at Epe the people from Epe  believe that the Michael Otedola College of Primary Education, Norforija, Epe, belongs to them, if you look at the Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (AOCOED), it is  the same. Until we change that orientation that this thing belongs to us in Lagos State we will continue to encounter problems. If you look at the history of Lagos State Polytechnic today, the belief of that region is that only those from Ikorodu should become the rector. They consider the polytechnic to be their right and they also believe that the Ikorodu people have been marginalised; that most of the people who have been rector are from Lagos Island. At this stage what we need is for somebody who will be able to improve the polytechnic not that he is from Lagos Island or Ikorodu.”

  • Create jobs, Fashola counsels LASPOTECH graduates

    Create jobs, Fashola counsels LASPOTECH graduates

    Last Thursday’s convocation at the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH),  Ikorodu, was the last for some of the principal officers and government functionaries, who graced the occasion.

    It was the valedictory convocation for the Rector, Dr Abdulazeez Lawal, whose tenure ends in June. It also served as the last for the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola, as moderator of the institution.  He leaves office on May 29 after a two-term tenure of eight year  as governor.

    Though not present at any of the convocations held during his tenure, Governor Fashola’s speech was read by his representative, the Special Adviser on Education, Otunba Fatai Olukoga. The crux of his message to the 7,045 graduates was for them to embrace entrepreneurship rather than add to the number of unemployed youths in Nigeria in their bid to get ready-made jobs.

    Fashola reminded them that the jobs they would seek were created by entrepreneurs years ago and urged them to put their training to good use.

    He said: “We want our students to leave school as well-rounded people, able to stand on their own, able to not only work, but create jobs for others.  The unemployment rate in Nigeria is quite high, with data pointing to half of the youth population being unemployed.

    “The Lagos State Polytechnic has given you the tools you need to excel in your fields.  Now, I want to encourage you to have the confidence not to settle for just any job, but do that which you have learnt and also create you own small and medium enterprises.”

    The governor also urged the students not to be in a hurry to get rich, but to be committed to hard work.

    “I want to encourage you to be focused as you go out into the real adult world. Don’t get distracted by the pursuit of money or fame. Focus on doing good work and making a difference in the lives of others and the society,” he said.

    In his speech, the rector thanked the  government for its support and acknowledged the role played by government agencies, particularly the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) in enhancing physical infrastructure and manpower development in the institution.

    He said 10 of the 15 projects ongoing on the campus were funded by the TETFund, as well as providing over N2 billion for staff development.

    Lawal, however, appealed to the  government to provide funds to build the institution’s administration block, and increase its subvention.  According to him,  the polytechnic is forced to use the school’s library building as a makeshift administrative building.

    “Although we forwarded our drawings and bills in respect of the proposed administration block to the state government secretariat, Alausa, in line with a letter we received recently, we are yet to have any response on the issue.  The present arrangement, where we use a lot of space in the library block as administrative offices is indeed, not ideal and quite unbecoming of an institution of our standing.  To this end, we will sincerely appreciate any urgent assistance we could get from the state government or our funding agencies or other stakeholders in this regard,” he said.

    The highpoint of the event was the presentation of prizes to outstanding students. Zainab Adedipe, a Chemical Engineering National Diploma (ND) graduate and Evelyn Nenuwa, a Science Laboratory Technology (Chemistry) Higher National Diploma (HND) graduate, won many of the 89 prizes presented.  Evelyn, who won prizes worth over N155,000, had a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.89; while Zainab had a CGPA of 3.92.

    In an interview, Evelyn, who also made a distinction during her ND, attributed her success to God and her parents.

    “I owe my gratitude to God because without him, I will be nowhere. I am indebted to my parents for their moral and financial support,” she said.

    She also said her ability to manage her time well despite her involvement in politics and church activities helped.

    “Students should learn to face their studies very well.  I engaged myself in politics as a student.  I was the Speaker of the National Association of Technology Students for the School of Technology before SLT was placed under the School of Applied Sciences.  I combined that with my academics.  I was also involved in church activities.  It was not very easy, but I am grateful to God everything turned out well for me,” she said.

    Dignitaries at the event included the Commissioner for Education, Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye and former registrar, Princess Olabisi Kosoko.

     

  • Woman, 52, is LASPOTECH fresher

    Woman, 52, is LASPOTECH fresher

    Among the freshers packed into the School of Agriculture Complex of the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH), for the matriculation of those admitted for the 2014/2015 academic session Ikorodu, Mrs Juliana Bankole stood out.

    Mrs Bankole She was obviously far older than the other students and more comported.  She sat close to the front, looking calm and contented in the grey and blue matriculation gown.

    Fifty-two-year-old Mrs Bankole has returned to earn a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Computer Science.  She completed her National Diploma (ND) last year.

    Mrs Bankole said she took the decision to gain tertiary qualifications after repeatedly being passed over for promotion as a technician at the Nigerian Natural Development Agency under the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, where she has now worked for 12 years.

    Prior to coming to LASPOTECH, Mrs Bankole only had her O Levels, which she earned from the Aguda Grammar School, Surulere, Lagos in 1978.

    She said: “In my office I discovered that without additional qualifications there is nobody to promote you.  I discovered that I have the knowledge and experience; I am a technician; I know how to repair radio and other things like that.  They put me in Computer Department, in the server room to monitor all the equipment.  I am there with O Level; there was no promotion.  I discovered that people that are ahead of me they have additional qualifications. That was what motivated me to go to school so that I could get additional qualification so that I will move from that level to a higher level.”

    The mother of three, two of them graduates, said her family supports her decision to study.

    “My children are really happy.  They say ‘Mummy wants to get to a high level.  Even my husband supports me.  He dropped me at Ojota before going his own way,” she said.

    It was not only Mrs Bankole that was excited about matriculating.  Though she did not hang around posing for photographs with friends, the ND freshers admitted for both the full-time and part-time programmes of the institution either posed in groups for photographs, or took to the dance floor after swearing the matriculation oath to celebrate their studentship.

    Joy Olomo, an Agricultural Technology ND student (full-time), said she was ecstatic about scaling the rigorous admission process of the school.

    “I feel so great; so excited to be among the people that are having this kind of celebration.  It was not easy getting into this school.  It is by the grace of God.  My expectation is for me to do well and be a good student,” she said.

    To do well, Joy and other freshers would benefit from the counsel of the Rector, Dr Adbulazeez Lawal, who advised them to abide by the institution’s rules and regulations.

    “To my dear matriculating students once again, I want to charge you always be at the forefront of sustaining the culture of academic excellence for which Lagos State Polytechnic is known.  By taking the matriculation oath today, you are publicly declaring your willingness to accept the terms and obligations of studentship in the polytechnic, which include: compliance with the institution’s dress code approved by the Academic Board; respect for constituted authority; 75 per cent class attendance before qualifying to write semester examinations; commitment to the core values of the polytechnic; non-involvement in acts bordering on examination malpractices or other immorality; non-membership of cult groups or other unregistered clandestine groups; etc.  You can avail yourselves a copy of the Students’ Handbook for an in-depth explanation of these rules,” he said.

    Lawal, whose tenure as Rector ends this year, said the institution has on ground necessary facilities to provide high quality education to the students.

    The students were admitted into the six schools of the institution namely: Schools of Agriculture, Engineering, Environmental Studies, Management and Business Studies, Communication and Liberal Studies, Technology, Pure and Applied Sicences, and the School of Part-Time Studies.

  • LASPOTECH holds retreat

    The 9th Management Retreat of the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH) ended last week.

    The three-day retreat held at the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON) in Topo Badagry, featured lectures, discussions and appraisal of the activities of various departments and schools last year and  strategies for better performance in the New Year.

    The theme of the Retreat was “Enhancing Productivity and Economic Growth through Time Management and Leadership Styles: Polytechnic Education System in Focus.”

    The Lagos State governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN), represented by the Special Adviser on Education, Hon. Fatai Olukoga, expressed his joy at the progress experienced in the polytechnic in the last three years.

    He also commended the management and members of staff of the polytechnic for their efforts and urged them to be united and embrace team work.

     

  • LASPOTECH alumni elect officers

    The Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH) Alumni Association has elected new officers. At the end of the exercise held last Sunday, Olumuyiwa Olugbile emerged the president, while Yinka Adewusi became the Vice President.

    Others elected are Wasiu Babalola, Secretary, Adesegun Olusanya, Assistant Secretary, Wasiu Ogungbo, Social Secretary, Olawale Oriade, Publicity Secretary, Afolabi Benson, Welfare Secretary and Adebayo Onaade, Auditor.

    The chairman of the Electoral Committee, Comrade Yemi Arigbabu, explained that there were no contestants for the post of Treasurer, adding that the new officers would be sworn in this month.

  • Tunde Kelani’s film for community cinemas

    Tunde Kelani’s film for community cinemas

    To promote community cinema during the yuletide period, Mainframe Productions will be exhibiting one of its latest films, Yeepa in Ikorodu, a suburb of Lagos State.

    The film will be screened from December 25, 2014 to January 4, 2015 at the Havens Lounge on Sagamu Road, opposite Mallo Filling Station, beside LASPOTECH, Ikorodu;  Mambillah Hotel at 6, Omodisu Street, off Isawo Road, Agric, Ikorodu, D’jos Hotel, Ijede and Ambassador’s Hotel, Bayeku, Igbogbo, Ikorodu.

    The movie screening is a joint project of Mainframe Productions and a Lagos-based cinema and culture promotion outfit, Shoots Perspectives.

    A statement issued by the brains behind the initiative, Steven ‘AnuAdesemoye reads: “Shoot Perspectives brings community cinema to Ikorodu and its environs with the screening of Yeepa, a new flick from the renowned filmmaker- Tunde Kelani. This is to bring cinema experience closer to the residents of Ikorodu this yuletide season with the screening of this film, which is centered on the intrigues and dynamics of local government administration in Nigeria.

    “The choice of Yeepa, a satire, during this festive period is to encourage the re-emerging cine culture, a family bonding, mental renewal and stress management. The film is an adaptation of Yeepa Solarinnbo, a play written by Prof. Femi Osofisan based on Isola, a rascally and unreliable man who is mistaken for the formidable Public Complaint Commissioner, Solarin, by the corrupt officials of local government council areas. His presence causes anxiety and panic among the officials, and they make desperate efforts to out-do each other so as to pacify the visitor. The flurry of activity to cover their misdeed exposes the high level of corruption and rot that is prevalent in the local council,” he added.

    The movies parades seasoned actors like Bayo Bankole, Ropo Ewenla, Ayo Mogaji, Ebun Oloyede, Joke Muyiwa among others.