Gov. Babajide Sanwo -Olu says the National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved the establishment of two more universities for the state.
Sanwo-Olu dropped the hint at the public presentation of a book titled: Oluwatoyin Temitayo Ogundipe @60; Audacity of Resilience, on Tuesday in Lagos.
According to him, the development is timely, as it will expand access to the teeming youth who aspire higher education.
He added that the two existing universities in the state were not enough to accommodate the quest for the growing number of youths seeking higher education.
He stressed that education remained the only potent weapon to eradicate poverty and breach all limitations.
According to him, there is also the need to groom future leaders, as well as develop curriculum that speaks to the needs of tomorrow.
Sanwo-Olu said Lagos State Polytechnic, Ikorodu would henceforth become University of Science and Technology, while Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education would now merge with Michael Otedola College of Primary Education and upgraded as University of Education.
Speaking on the book, the governor described it as a must read for leaders and future leaders, as it told the story of how education, tenacity and focus conquered limitations.
“I want to commend the vice chancellor of this university for what he has done in this institution. The records are there for all to see. He has gone through a lot, but that did not stop him from attaining set goals.
“I want to say here today that he is a man coming from a very humble background with so much humility. But that did not limit him.
“For our young ones that are seated here, this book should inspire you to break all bounds and reach out to your goals in life. Do not allow what you face today to limit your aspiration in life.
“It is not how you were born, not where you find yourself, but how well you are able to navigate your way out from any challenge life may throw at you,” he stated.
The governor then noted that the state government would acquire a lot of the books for its schools including the Lagos State University (LASU).
The book reviewer, Mr Martins Oloja, Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, the Guardian newspaper, said the book which is in five parts, comprised of 340 pages with 16 chapters.
He noted that it was well written and edited by academics.
Oloja recommended the book for all, especially those in leadership positions, as well as future leaders.
Also speaking, the editorial team lead of the book, Prof. Obinna Chukwu, said the book is about the sample of opinion of people whose lives Ogundipe had impacted, noting that the true essence of leadership was in the impact any man had on humanity, people, institution and environment.
” All said, the committee of friends looking at him, from the cradle through his career trajectory and ascension to the 11th floor of the Senate building as the UNILAG 12th vice chancellor.
“This is not discounting the turbulent weather, through which his flight is cruising; saw him as the audacious and resilient, thus this book, Oluwatoyin Temitayo [email protected] 60; Audacity of Resilience,” he said.
Chukwu, who is also the institution’s Deputy Vice Chancellor, (Management Services), expressed hope that the odyssey on the celebrant would inspire readers to be focused, determined, steadfast, audacious and resilient, while keeping their eyes on the ball.
This, he added, that God ruled in all affairs of men.
In his brief remark, Ogundipe lauded the efforts of the editorial team for their efforts in putting the book together.
He assured of his determination to continue to contribute his quota to national development for the betterment of mankind.
The book was put together by committee of friends of the vice chancellor.
