The Lagos State Government has initiated a strategic collaboration with GAC Motors to enhance practical engineering training in state-owned tertiary institutions.
Eko Hot News reports that the partnership, coordinated through the Ministry of Tertiary Education, will provide hands-on technical training for engineering students of Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, and Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), Ikorodu.
The framework for the collaboration was agreed upon during a high-level tripartite meeting held at the Alausa Secretariat.
The meeting brought together officials from the Ministry of Tertiary Education, representatives of GAC Motors, and senior academic leaders from both universities.
Speaking at the session, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Tolani Sule, said the initiative is designed to integrate industry-grade technical skills into university curricula.
He explained that the training will focus on vehicle assembly, advanced maintenance, servicing, and workshop operations to improve graduate employability.
Sule stated that the goal is to produce engineering graduates with strong theoretical knowledge and practical competence suited for the global job market.
He added that existing laboratories and academic expertise in the institutions will be leveraged to benefit students and the automobile industry.
Representing GAC Motors, Mr Wale Akinwade reaffirmed the company’s long-standing partnership with the Lagos State Government.
He disclosed that students will benefit from capacity-building programmes, economic empowerment, and practical training opportunities both locally and internationally.
Akinwade further revealed that outstanding students and academic staff may be integrated into the LAGBUS maintenance and ownership scheme.
The academic delegation from LASU and LASUSTECH commended the initiative, describing it as timely and essential for modern engineering practice.
They called for the establishment of dedicated automobile workshops on university campuses to support specialised training and innovation.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Adeniran Kasali, said the partnership aligns with the state’s policy of strengthening student competence.
He noted that such collaborations are key to bridging the skills gap in Lagos State’s evolving labour market.
