Kunle Adelabu
There is every possibility that the process of making the Lagos State Polytechnic, Ikorodu main campus, a residential institution will commence this year after 42 years of its establishment.
The acting Rector of the institution, Mr Olumide Olushola Metilelu, gave the assurance at the weekend in his address at the Stakeholders’ meeting on the presentation of the Ikorodu Sub – Region Master Plan, held at the 500 – Seater auditorium, LASPOTECH, Ikorodu main campus, on Friday, September 11, 2020.
Mr Metilelu stated that the state government is working seriously towards starting the construction this year, adding that it is important to critically look at the effects of the Ikorodu Sub – Region Master Plan on the project and strategic plans of the institution generally.
He also stated that the sports complex is critical to the existence of the institution while calling for harmonization of the proposed Ikorodu Sub – Regional Master Plan and the LASPOTECH Strategic plans.
”We are eagerly looking at the issue of hostels and already in talks with the government and I am sure that it will kick off any moment because the government is working assiduously to ensure that the process for the hostels starts this year”, he assured.
“The Director of Works can attest to this fact.
“The issue is that we cannot have our structure and the same government will come and demolish it through the Ikorodu Sub – Regional Master Plan”, acting Rector said.
“This is an institution that has existed for 42 years and the law provided for us to have hostel accommodation and we need that hostel now and more than ever”.
He also stated that the government’s proposal in the Master Plan will affect the Polytechnic’s plan to construct a befitting sports complex that would serve Ikorodu Division and beyond, while also adding that there is need to reconcile the Polytechnic’s Strategic Plan with the Sub – Regional Master Plan.
“We cannot negotiate not having a sports centre. It’s not possible for a tertiary institution. Just like the lead speaker said in his paper that there is a need to provide open spaces for people, especially the youths, to be able to train and develop themselves so that we can have the right talents”, Metilelu said.
“If this institution can win NIPOGA Games without sporting facilities, what do you think that we will be able to do when we now have adequate sporting facilities, what do you think will happen when we now have the sporting facility?
“In the whole of Ikorodu Division, our proposed sporting facility is expected to serve the entire Ikorodu region. I think that it is a serious issue that we need to look at as one family.
“We also must continue to consider that if we lose part of our landmass, it is going to be a serious issue.
“We are thinking and the government is also working on turning this Polytechnic into University Polytechnic status”.
