The Lagos State Cooperative College is set to graduate 153 students under its professional diploma programme.

The provost of the college, Akorede Ojomu, disclosed this at a news conference on Saturday in Lagos.

Mr Ojomu said the graduating students represented the fruits of  the college’s commitment to quality, employability and entrepreneurship.

According to him, the students have not only earned certificates, but also have vocational skills, equipping them to thrive in today’s economy.

“Thanks to our partnership with the Lagos State Women Development Centre,” he said.

The provost said the  graduation ceremony was the college’s second and had been  scheduled to hold from May 12 to May 14.

Mr Ojomo said that it marked a significant milestone in the college’s journey.

He said that the college had made remarkable strides since its last convocation ceremony in 2022, including recruitment of qualified lecturers, digitalisation of campus operations and strategic collaborations with reputable institutions.

“This year, we are proud to graduate 153 from three departments.

”These departments are Microfinance and Enterprise Development, Cooperative Economics and Management and  Professional Diploma in Economics and Management.”

Mr Ojomu said that in furtherance of its mandate to combat youth unemployment and poverty, the college recently launched a premium nine-month technical training programme, inclusive of a three-month industry-based internship.

According to him, the programme is embedded with City and Guilds of London Institute curricula, ensuring global standardisation and certification.

The provost said: “Currently, the programme runs in the following trades –  Electrical Installation and Maintenance, Plumbing and Pipefitting, and Welding and Fabrication.

“At the end of the training, participants will sit for the City and Guilds examination and earn internationally-recognised certificates, all from here, in Lagos State.”

He announced that Lagos State Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu would inaugurate a new academic building in the college to accommodate its increasing student population and growing number of academic programmes.

Recounting other activities lined up to mark the occasion, the provost said a convocation lecture with the theme: “Cooperative Management; The Development and Transformation of Nano Enterprises in Lagos State”, would be delivered by Dr Olusegun Dada.

“On Tuesday, there will be alumni and students engagement programme, while the convocation will be held on Wednesday.

“This will feature award of national and professional diplomas, conferral of fellowships and inauguration of a new academic building by the governor,” he said.

He ascribed the college’s success to the governor’s visionary leadership, prompt approvals and encouragement.

The provost also commended  the management, staff and students of the college for efforts and belief in its shared vision. 

(NAN)