The Lagos State Cooperative College is preparing to graduate 153 students from its Professional Diploma Programme, a move seen as a boost to youth empowerment and workforce development in the state.
Provost of the college, Mr. Akorede Ojomu, made the announcement at a press briefing on Saturday in Lagos, emphasizing that the graduates are equipped not just with academic credentials but also with hands-on vocational skills necessary for today’s competitive job market.
“This reflects our unwavering commitment to quality education, employability, and entrepreneurship,” Ojomu said, adding that a partnership with the Lagos State Women Development Centre has played a crucial role in the students’ holistic development.
The graduation ceremony—slated for May 12 to 14—will be the second convocation in the college’s history and marks a significant step in its mission to build a skilled and self-reliant youth population in Lagos State.
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.”
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.
