Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat has assured Lagosians of the ability of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration to make the economy of Lagos bigger and more viable than it is at the moment.
Dr.Hamzat gave the assurance at an Engineering Summit Africa, organised by the engineering students of Lagos State University in Lagos, where he said the government was positioning the state as a technology talent hub for the world through training and job placement.
Dr. Hamzat said that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration was convinced that an easy way to boost the Lagos economy was to invest in engineering, technology, and innovation.
According to him, the state government is aware that there is a skill deficiency in Africa, and that Sanwo-Olu’s administration is willing to close it with talents in Lagos.
“Any responsible government will be alarmed by the number of youth unemployment and make sure it is a top priority.
“This is why we are speaking with the private sector now on positioning Lagos as a technology talent pipeline for the world through training and job placement.
“Our plan is to train 1,000 youths (working population) on how to code every year and produce entry and intermediate level skills set for the world to recruit from.
“Lagos can reinvent itself; we can be the largest exporter of engineers and or technology.
“We can be the largest software exporter in the world; we can as well be the largest health technology developer. We can do it, if we are all invested and proactive,” he said
Hamzat, who was represented by Mr Radaq Ajala, Chairman, Odi-Olowo Local Council Development Area, Musin, lamented that globally, engineering appeared to be experiencing skills shortage.
According to him, the type of engineering that students are studying does not always match the type of engineers required by specific countries.
