Sanwo-Olu assures LASU students access to FG loan

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The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has assured that students at Lagos State University (LASU) in Ojo will benefit from the Federal Government’s student loan program.

Speaking on Thursday at LASU’s 27th Convocation, Sanwo-Olu emphasized that his administration is dedicated to empowering students in state-owned tertiary institutions, enabling them to unlock their full potential.

The loan is being administered by the Nigerian Education Loan Fund.

“We aim to foster a generation of innovative thinkers, problem-solvers, and great leaders, who will drive sustainable development in Lagos State and beyond.

“We will also, as the Lagos State Government, work with the Nigerian Education Loan Fund to ensure that the new national student loan programme opens up to students of state-owned educational institutions in Nigeria, as promised, and without delay. We will ensure that students of the Lagos State University fully benefit from this laudable policy.”

He added that society had a responsibility to educate youths of the importance of academic excellence, which according to him, must never be underestimated or taken for granted.

“Our young people must see reason to hunger for it with the same energy and enthusiasm reserved these days for artistic and sporting success,” he said.

The governor then awarded ₦10m to the best graduating student for the 2022/2023 session, Olaniyi Olawale.

Olawale, a student of the Accounting Education Department, graduated with a CGPA of 4.98.

He said, “Congratulations to you, Olaniyi. This is a moment of great pride, not just for you, but for all of us.  To celebrate and honour you, I am announcing a cash gift of N10m in recognition and honour of your outstanding feat. I believe that someone out there is working very hard to be the next Olaniyi Olawale, and I want to encourage you, wherever you might be now, to keep your eyes on that goal, and make us all, as well as yourself, very proud.”

In her convocation speech, LASU Vice-Chancellor,  Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, said, “Today’s ceremony marks the concluding event of the 27th Convocation and a symbolic moment of fulfilment and pride for 89 Doctors of Philosophy and 66 professional doctoral degrees graduands, who have demonstrated exemplary character and academic prowess to earn the highest degree of our esteemed university.”