The Lagos State University of Science And Technology, Ikorodu, has advised institutions across the country to harness the transformative power of innovation to build resilience and a prosperous nation. Speaking as guest lecturer at the maiden inaugural Founder’s Day Lecture of LASUSTECH, former Vice-Chancellor, the University of Lagos, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, explained that the intersection of cutting-edge science, technology, and nation-building was a dynamic force influencing the course of history. LASUSTECH, formerly Lagos State Polytechnic was converted to a university of science and technology by Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu in 2022 with professional assistance from the then Special Adviser on Education, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, who is now the Commissioner for Environment. He said, “In summary, the intersection of cutting-edge science, technology, and nation-building is a dynamic force influencing the course of history. Nations can harness the transformative power of innovation to build resilient, prosperous, and sustainable societies by adopting a future-oriented mindset, allocating resources to education and research, and responsibly navigating the challenges.” Ogundipe added that debates concerning the necessity of more funding and all-encompassing approaches had continued at different levels both in the public and private sectors.
He added, “Although Nigeria has recognised the value of funding science, innovation, and technology, debates concerning the necessity of more funding and all-encompassing approaches have continued at different levels both in the public and private sectors. Nigeria has articulated its commitment to science and technology through several national initiatives and plans. For example, the government’s intention to support research, development, and innovation is outlined in the National Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy.” In his welcome address, Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olumuyiwa Odusanya, said every institution had a purpose or mandate.
He explained, Our celebrating the founder’s day is to share with the larger society our achievements and impact in fulfilling our mandate. We acknowledge the uncommon transmutation process involved in making the erstwhile Lagos State Polytechnic to become the Lagos State University of Science and Technology on February 2nd, 2022. We are deeply grateful to Mr. Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu for establishing our university which is an integral part of his THEMES Plus agenda. We thank Mr Governor for the deployment of huge resources to begin our university.”
Some dignitaries at the celebration were Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Mr Tolani Sule, Commissioner of Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, who was the then Special Adviser on Education and the Permanent Secretary and other Directors of the Ministry. Odusanya added, “We now have 40 academic programmes including three new additions approved by the Nigerian Universities Commission. We have completed one academic session and the pioneer students are now in their second year. We have now admitted the second set of students and the 2023/24 academic session has started in earnest.”
