The Lagos State Government has announced plans to establish five additional technical colleges across the state’s five divisions, bringing the total number to ten, in a strategic move to expand access to vocational education and reduce youth unemployment.
The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Tolani Alli-Balogun, made the disclosure during the 2024 Lagos Youth Skills Day held in Ikeja, themed “Equipping Tomorrow’s Leaders with Skills for a Brighter Future.”
Alli-Balogun explained that the decision followed consultations with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who approved the expansion as part of efforts to deepen technical training and prepare young people for the demands of a modern workforce.
“We met with the governor, who agreed that the time is long overdue to expand the number of technical colleges beyond the current five. No country has achieved sustainable development without a strong foundation in technical education,” he said.
The Commissioner also stressed the need to improve public awareness about the importance of vocational training, noting that low enrollment in technical colleges is partly due to a lack of understanding among parents and communities.
“Local governments, community leaders, and CDAs need to be sensitized about the value of technical education. Many parents simply don’t know how vital these skills are for their children’s future,” he added.
Empowering Youth Through Skills
At the event, entrepreneur and furniture maker Mrs. Feyisola Abiru praised the initiative, stating that increased investment in technical education would significantly boost national productivity and employability among young Nigerians.
“Our youth are the future, and technical colleges are the pathway to increasing the quality of products and services in Nigeria,” she said.
The Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board (LASTVEB), Mrs. Ronke Azeez, noted that World Youth Skills Day, celebrated every July 15, gives students of Lagos technical colleges the opportunity to participate in volunteer projects that build community impact.
“Our youths are tech-savvy and in tune with the evolving demands of today’s world. They understand the importance of diverse skills in staying competitive,” Azeez remarked, while calling for greater investment in infrastructure, including internet access, digital tools, and modern learning environments.
Encouraging Youth to Embrace Skills and Avoid Vices
Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Technical Education, Mr. Omotola Giwa-Moore, said the Lagos Youth Skills Day is aimed at promoting the importance of vocational education in tackling youth unemployment.
Realtor and entrepreneur Dr. Saheed Mosadoluwa, who shared his experience as a former bricklayer, encouraged young people to focus on skill acquisition and shun social vices.
Students from the existing five technical colleges located in Ikotun, Ikorodu, Odomola-Epe, Ado-Soba, and Agidingbi participated in a debate on the relevance of technical education to Nigeria’s development, underscoring the growing enthusiasm for vocational learning among Lagos youth.
