… Says school ‘ll put Ajido on global map

By Nnamdi Ojiego

The Lagos State Government has commended the establishment of St Michael College of Technology, Ajido, Badagry, Lagos, describing the project as laudable and captivating.

Speaking at the foundation laying ceremony of the polytechnic’s permanent site on Thursday, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hon. Tolani Sule, represented by the Director of Personnel and Management in the Ministry, Dr. Yemisi Omoloye, said the project will bring unprecedented development to the area.

“This project is going to transform this environment and put Ajido community on the world map”, Hon. Sule said. “The name of Ajido, though in a corner, will soon be heard worldwide as it will attract an influx of students to the area.”

The Commissioner reiterated that the institution has been licensed and has met all regulatory requirements from relevant authorities, ensuring its operations are legal.

He encouraged youths in the area and the state at large to take advantage of the opportunity to acquire life-changing skills.

“We’re looking for self-sufficient graduates and this is one of its kind. Any student that graduates from this college doesn’t need to look for employment because they will be self-sufficient and can stand on their own and become employers of labour”, the commissioner stressed.

The Lagos State Government assured that it will continue to provide an enabling environment for businesses to thrive and contribute to the state’s development.

The government also pledged to monitor the college to ensure it operates under established rules and regulations.

“We will continue to monitor the college to ensure that it operates under the established rules and regulations guiding such establishments in the state. We will ensure that the welfare of the staff and students is guaranteed.”

The founder and Chief Executive Officer of the polytechnic, Dr. Michael Sonayon Kunnuji, said the vision behind the establishment of the college was born about ten years ago after discovering that the Badagry area was lagging in technical and vocational skills.

The Gagbo Menu Toyon of Ajido Kingdom who was represented by David Kunnuji, chairmanship aspirant for Badagry LGA, explained: “The vision was to build an institution that will equip our children with relevant skill sets that will make them self-reliant after graduation.

“I felt that bringing this type of institution here will assist people living in Badagry to develop their skills so that in future when industries start springing up here, outsiders won’t take the jobs meant for the residents.

“The St Michael Skills Center has been in operation for some years. Today, it has been upgraded to a polytechnic. What the Commissioner for Tertiary Education did today is to lay the foundation for the permanent site of the polytechnic, St. Michael College of Technology, Ajido.”

The Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Badagry, Hon. Muritala Gafar, commended the founder for bringing the massive investment to the community, expressing optimism that the polytechnic will bring Ajido to the limelight when operational.