Kunle ADELABU
-Students highlight governor’s laudable projects, want him to do more for their institution
Over 25,000 students of the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH), on Tuesday, April 3, 2018, declared their supports for the re-election of the governor of Lagos State, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode.
The endorsement came at a press conference held at the Students’ Union Building of the Lagos State Polytechnic, Ikorodu Main campus, where the students’ representatives gathered to endorse the governor’s reelection due to the laudable projects and programmes of his government.
The students’ representatives, led by Comrade Adewale Jubril, the President of the Lagos State Polytechnic Students Union Government (SUG), also made it clear during the conference that the union is apolitical and are not joining political bandwagon in adopting the governor.
“We are here today representing over 25,000 students of this great citadel of learning and excellence to say that Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, the Governor of Lagos State, should continue with his good works spending another four years to make education in Lagos State the hallmark of excellence in Nigeria”, Comrade Adewale said.
“We are not reaching these conclusions without proofs of what the amiable Governor has done in education sector, especially at the Lagos State Polytechnic.
“The Governor has proved beyond reasonable doubts his concern for the sustenance of qualitative education system in Lagos State.”
He also listed numerous ways in which the institution has benefitted from the Ambode’s administration which necessitated his endorsement for re-election.
“The Lagos State Polytechnic has benefitted immensely, administrative wise, from the Ambode government. These include the following:
“Initiation of the first ever academic and value added practical training programme “Ready-Set-Work” (RSW) for Tertiary Institutions in Lagos State,preparing students for the work life, placing successful participants on Industrial Training with reputable organizations and also funding viable business ideas/innovations of the students”, he stated.
“ In his consideration for the plea by the Polytechnic Management on financial constraint of the Polytechnic, His Excellency approved the increment of the Polytechnic’s monthly subvention and also approved the release of funds for the accreditation of 66 programmes in the Polytechnic”, SUG President added.
“Furthermore, the Governor completed the construction of Block A of the School of Technology Complex and also approved the construction of drainages as well as car parks for the Complex, all of which are on-going.
“The Governor, in his magnanimity, extended the “Operation Light-Up Lagos” project to the Lagos State Polytechnic. Street lights were installed all over the Ikorodu Campus of the Polytechnic”.
He added that Gov Ambode has also initiated the commencement of the following projects in the Polytechnic: Completion of the abandoned Sports Complex on the Ikorodu Campus of the Polytechnic to serve the whole of Ikorodu division, Construction of a befitting High Capacity Auditorium for the Institution and Construction of a befitting Administrative Block for the Polytechnic.
“The visionary Governor gave a nod and support to the Polytechnic for the Drone Project initiated by the Polytechnic with a view to deploying the surveillance drones for security all around the State.
“The above-mentioned projects and support are the compelling reasons we are throwing our weight behind His Excellency, Mr. Akinwunmi Amobode, the Governor of Lagos State, for a second term come term.
“We, therefore, solicit for the support of the entire residents in Lagos State in order to encourage the continuous accelerated progress being experienced in the educational system and other sectors in Lagos State, by voting massively for Governor Akinwunmi Ambode come 2019”, Comrade Adewale pleaded.
Comrade Oladipupo Zainab, the Vice President of the SUG, in an interview with THE IMPACT, stated that the students’ supports for the governor would not end with the endorsement as the union has commenced the mobilization of the students for Permanent Voters Card (PVC) registration.
She disclosed the launch of DiCE (Direct Campaign & Enlightenment) Initiative
According to Zainab, “The initiative is aimed at engaging every student one on one, convince and persuade them with facts from the good works of the Governor, and school each student, to engage their parents directly with facts and figures of the governors good deeds” she explained
“Therefore, we are practically preparing our 25000 students (part time & full time), to convince at least two parents each with the direct campaign and enlightenment. You can not underestimate the multiplying effects of this initiative”
“The initiative would not only canvass for votes, but monitor and sensitise the student populace on the need to register and collect their PVC. A vote canvassed without a PVC, is a sheer wasting of time and resources. Therefore, we shall sensitise for registration and collection of PVC and consolidate with canvass for votes through DiCE initiative. What LASPOTECH SUG is doing to support the reelection of Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode goes beyond rhetorics and showmanship. It is a complete practical approach to winning election” she added
Comrade Semiu Quadri, the Public Relations Officer of the Union,in his own reaction, stated that the support of the students is mainly based on their desire to seeing that the Governor continue his laudable developmental activities in the institution in his second term.
