The Lagos State Government has commenced a strategic partnership with GAC Motors to enhance practical engineering training for students of state-owned tertiary institutions, including Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, and Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), Ikorodu.
The initiative, driven through the Ministry of Tertiary Education, was formalised during a high-level tripartite meeting held at the Alausa Secretariat, bringing together government officials, representatives of GAC Motors, and senior academic leaders from both universities.
Speaking at the meeting, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Tolani Sule, said the collaboration is designed to integrate industry-based technical skills into academic training, with a focus on vehicle assembly, advanced maintenance, servicing, and workshop operations.
“Our objective is to produce engineering graduates with a strong blend of theoretical knowledge and practical competence,” Sule said. “By equipping students with relevant technical skills, we are preparing them to be self-reliant, innovative, and globally competitive.”
He noted that the state’s universities already possess modern laboratories and qualified faculty, stressing that the partnership should leverage these assets to benefit students, industry stakeholders, and Nigeria’s automobile sector.
Representing GAC Motors, Mr. Wale Akinwade reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting Lagos State’s education and industrial development. He disclosed that the initiative would provide students with extensive capacity-building opportunities, including local and international practical training.
Akinwade further revealed that outstanding students and academic staff may be integrated into the LAGBUS maintenance and ownership scheme, offering pathways to professional growth and entrepreneurship.
Academic leaders from both institutions welcomed the initiative. The delegation included Professor Nurudeen Raji, Dean of Engineering, LASU; Professor Bankole Yakub, Dean, College of Engineering, LASUSTECH; Professor Adedeji Kasali of LASU; and Dr. Adekunle Yekini, Head of Mechanical Engineering, LASUSTECH.
They emphasised the importance of specialised training in vehicle component manufacturing and repair, urging GAC Motors to establish dedicated workshops within the university campuses as permanent centres for innovation and technical development.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tertiary Education, Adeniran Kasali, said the state government remains committed to fostering student competence and bridging the gap between academic training and industry demands.
He described the partnership as a significant step toward building a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation and growth in Nigeria’s automotive industry.
