By Elizabeth Osayande

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, alongside past students of the University of Lagos, Faculty of Engineering, UNILAGFE, on Thursday reinstated their commitment to boost their alma-mater for the role it played in shaping their lives.

Sanwo-Olu, who was the special guest of honor at the 6th public lecture, part of events to mark the 60th anniversary of the founding of the UNILAG Engineering Department, also represented the chairman of the occasion, the Oyo State Governor, Mr. Seyi Makinde, an alumnus of the department who was unavoidably absent.

The event held at J. F. Ade Ajayi auditorium, has as chief host, the VC, UNILAG, Prof. Folashade Ogunsola, host, president worldwide, UNILAG Alumni Association, Engr. IfeOluwa Oyedele, and co-hosts, chairman, UNILAGFEAA,Engr. Dideolu Falobi, and Dean, Faculty of Engineering, Engr. Prof. Samson Adeosun.

Speaking in the capacity of the chairman and special guest of honour, the Lagos State Governor, who extolled the virtues of UNILAG, and most especially the Engineering faculty, called on alumni to imbibe the culture of giving back to their alma meta, especially to the students.

“I feel honoured being here today for this milestone celebration. While I am standing for the chairman, I want us to reflect on how well we are giving back to the nation, school, faculty, and class, among others who shape us.

“As a governor, I have constantly identified myself with the school. Going forward, I will do it more, quicker and faster. The lab named after me will be refurbished, and we also give a face-lift to this auditorium.

“Again, because of my love for tertiary education, we have created two additional universities to the one we inherited, that is Lagos State University, LASU. And I can assure you that before the end of next year, our administration will set up another university, especially for Medical Science and Allied Professions, to fill the gap and also address the quest for medical aid and tourism, among others, abroad.

Meanwhile, the guest lecturer of the occasion, the GMD, Sahara Power Group, Mr Kola Adesina, spoke on the theme: “The Nigerian Power Sector: The past, present, and the future.”

Adesina lamented that despite Nigeria getting power in 1896, 14 years after Britain got theirs, the country still grappled with power challenges.

Blaming lack of value system, indiscipline, and misplacement of priority, among others, Adesina reiterated that until the best rule the country, there won’t be meaningful development.

The GMD, Sahara Power Group, explained that policies in the sector were not the issue, but lack of empathy for the plight of the citizens, especially industrialists who are the power of economic growth, were setbacks affecting the sector.

“We first got electricity in 1896, 14 years after Britain got their own. Yet we are still in the dark. This is because our priorities are so wrong in Nigeria that we prioritise irrelevant over the relevant issues.

“Economic development and removing pains from the citizens should be the focus of any government. Sadly, this is not the case. For Project Nigeria to be meaningful, only the best should lead us.

“So my take is that the Acts, especially the recent one, the Electricity Act, 2023, are not the problem, but the people. For instance, the electricity tariff for industries should be lower than for residential. This is because industries contribute to economic growth and development more.”

Adesina also gave other suggestions to revamp the energy sector. These, according to him, included: having a better exchange rate, siting of industries where industrial plants are located, and ensuring the best to lead. His words: “Allow engineers to lead Nigeria.”

Meanwhile, the occasion has in attendance the deputy governor of Ogun state, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, an alumnus of Unilag Engineering dpt, is one of the dozens of engineers in Nigeria. Prof. Ayodele Ogunye, the 11th VC of UNILAG, and Prof. Rahmon Bello, among others.