The newly appointed
Rector of the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH), Mr Oluyinka Sogunro,  last Thursday pledged to improve the institution’s fortunes during his tenure.
Sogunro made the pledge during his formal inauguration as the 10th Rector held in the School of Agriculture auditorium, in Ikorodu, Lagos State.
The Tide’s source reports that Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State had on June 25 approved the appointment of Sogunro as the incumbent rector to replace Mr Abulazeez Lawal whose tenure had expired on June 1.
“I am humbled by the state government’s announcement of my appointment as Rector of our great institution.
“Under my leadership, all my efforts shall be geared toward the sustenance of the culture of excellence handed over by successive administrations in the polytechnic.
“I promise to do my utmost to ensure that LASPOTECH improves on its current rating, from being one of the foremost polytechnics in our country, to becoming the best tertiary institution in Nigeria and on the continent of Africa.
“Also, we shall strengthen the cordial relationship currently existing between the polytechnic and all government agencies and institutions that are relevant to the continued development of the polytechnic,” the rector said.
Sogunro said that his administration would focus on the high quality status of academic programmes, intensify research activities and improve teaching and learning facilities.
He also promised that his administration would provide a broadband internet connectivity on the three campuses of the polytechnic, improve staff welfare and infrastructure, amongst others.
The rector solicited the support of the state government in surmounting the challenges faced by the institution.
“These challenges, which are not peculiar to the institution, include: inadequate funding, poor staffing, ill-equipped laboratories, dwindling internal revenue, and containment of land grabbers,” he said.
Sogunro promised to work closely with the institution’s labour unions, the Students’ Union and other stakeholders to ensure the school attained an enviable position.
Earlier, in her address of welcome, a senior staff member of the institution, Mrs Ronke Ige, described the new rector as “an amiable, kind and erudite scholar”.
“He has been in this terrain as the Deputy Rector, Administration, which he handled brilliantly and successfully, and has been part of LASPOTECH’s success story since,” Ige said.
Another staff member of the institution, Mr Emmanuel Adesina, administered the oath of office to the new rector, whose tenure would end on May 31,2020.
Former rectors of the institution, government dignitaries, and members of staff graced the inauguration.