Speeches

27th/28th Joint Convocation Ceremonies And Special Fellowship Award Of The Adeniran Ogunsanya College Of Education

May 14, 2008 - GREAT AOCOEDIANS!

I am indeed delighted to be in your midst on this auspicious occasion of the grand finale of the 27th and 28th Joint Convocation Ceremony of the award of the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE), and conferment of a Special Fellowship of the College on our amiable leader, mentor, and my immediate predecessor, Governor Emeritus, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

This special occasion is particularly significant, because it marks my first ever appearance on this campus as the moderator of this great college. I am proud of this institution and its achievements over the years. I therefore congratulate the graduands who are today being conferred with the Nigeria Certificate of Education (NCE), of the College. By this achievement, this institution has further confirmed its role and contribution to knowledge, development of education and training of quality teachers in the State.

Education, is held in high esteem by this administration and It is considered essential and vital to the realization of this our administration’s Ten-Point Agenda. As one of the major yardsticks for measuring human capital development indices across the world, education has come to be identified as a major catalyst for socio-economic and technological development in any society.

It builds, nurtures and develops the mind through application of basic knowledge and skills acquired over time. It is effective in engendering change, rapid development and progress in any society. As major actors in the educational sector, the roles of teachers are indeed vital and critical to enhancement of learning and human development in any society. Teachers are recognized and appreciated for their roles as role models and character moulders in their immediate environment. As a vocation, a calling and a profession teaching is meant only for those with the right attitudes and aptitudes. This is why it becomes imperative for those who are in the profession to be adequately equipped with necessary skills for effective discharge of their primary assignments.

As you go into the actual practice of the profession, I urge you all to remain focused and let discipline and good moral conduct be your watchword. As role models, the society and indeed your students will always look up to you for instructions and guidance in the right direction. You cannot afford to let them down.

You have chosen a noble profession, which gives you the opportunity for continuous self development and knowledge in all areas. I therefore charge you to make use of what you have learnt while in the college and improve on them where necessary. I want to assure you that the sky shall not be your limit, as we are ready to encourage you in providing the enabling and conducive environment for learning and working. Our NCE graduands shall always be our first priority especially when considering teachers for employment.

Recently, about one thousand graduate teachers were offered employment into the public secondary schools in the State through the six educational districts. Of this figure, I am happy to let you know that a large percentage of AOECOED graduates was considered during the recruitment exercise.

At this point, I wish to commend and congratulate the council, the provost, management, staff and students of this institution on the success achieved so far. I must also commend the excellent working relationship and understanding that currently exists among the management, staff and students in this college.

I must commend the Alumni Association of Adeniran Ogunsanya who have led the way with the provision of an Information and communication Technology (ICT) centre.

As Governor and moderator to Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education AOCOED, I am aware of some of your concerns as management, staff and students. I want to assure you that efforts are being made to provide you necessary facilities that will make you comfortable and make a conducive learning environment on the campus.

At this juncture, I congratulate the immediate past Governor of Lagos State and former moderator of this College, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on this conferment of the honorary fellowship of the college. I was told that the award being conferred on Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the first of its kind in the annals of the history of this college. This is an honour well deserved, especially when viewed against the background of the success achieved by His Excellency, during his tenure as the Governor of the State.

I also congratulate the Chairman and other members of the 50th Anniversary Committee for putting up successful events to mark the occasion.

Finally, I wish to acknowledge and commend the contribution of the sum of two hundred thousand naira only (N200, 000) as earlier donated in support of security in the State. I commend this patriotic gesture and call on other institutions to emulate this worthy initiative. I want to assure you of our commitment towards ensuring security of lives and property in the State, enhancing the quality of lives of all Lagosians and pursue our goal of delivering a Brighter, Rewarding Future for all citizens of Lagos State.

Thank you and God Bless.

Eko O Ni Baje O!

Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN),
Executive Governor,
Lagos State