The Ikorodu Constituency II Education Fair 2025, themed “Empowering Minds and Unlocking Opportunities for a Brighter Future,” provided a platform for stakeholders and students to come together and discuss the future of education in the constituency.

The member representing Ikorodu Constituency II at the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Aro Moshood Abiodun, reiterated the significance of education in unlocking one’s potential. Speaking during the event, he stated that education is the key to success, emphasizing that it is the best investment a nation can make. Hon. Abiodun expressed his commitment to investing in the education and environment of the youth, believing that it is crucial for their development and the future of the constituency.

The event featured a gathering of educational institutions, vocational trainers, NGOs, and career experts, all working together to equip the youth with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to excel in today’s dynamic world. During the event, Hon. Abiodun commended Hon. Kolejo Fathia, the Convener, citing her as an inspiration and a shining example of what young people can achieve with the right opportunities.

He urged the students, peers, speakers, parents, and the community to collectively motivate the youth to dream big, work hard, and seize every opportunity that comes their way. Hon. Abiodun also emphasized the importance of collective effort in building a constituency where every child has the opportunity to succeed and advised the students to acquire skills, stressing that having a skill is essential in today’s world and can complement academic pursuits, saying “You must be a problem solver.”

In her welcome address, Hon. Fathia Kolejo, Convener of the Ikorodu Constituency II Education Fair 2025 and Member of the Lagos State Youth Parliament, expressed her profound gratitude to the Chief Host, Hon. Aro Moshood Abiodun, for his unwavering support and visionary leadership. She acknowledged and extended her profound gratitude to the Executive Chairmen of the LCDAs, Builder Sesan Daini, Hon. Motunrayo Gbadebo-Alogba, and Prince Wasiu Agoro, for their commitment to educational advancement and community development.

Hon. Kolejo emphasized the importance of vocational education as a pathway to self-reliance, innovation, and economic empowerment. She urged the Chief Host and the Director of Mass Education, Mrs. Kalesanwo, to prioritize the establishment of standard vocational schools across all LCDAs in Ikorodu Constituency II. This, she said, would equip the youth with essential skills and lay a strong foundation for sustainable economic growth in the communities.

Hon. Kolejo encourage participants to make the most of the opportunities presented. She expressed her excitement about the potential connections that would be made and the impact they would have on the future of the youth. With the theme of empowering minds and unlocking potentials, the Ikorodu Constituency II Education Fair 2025 promises to be a catalyst for positive change in the lives of the young people in the constituency.

In his keynote address, Mr. Adeniran Kasali, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tertiary Education, emphasized the importance of education in today’s world. “Education today is about fit for purpose. Our students, please listen attentively, because this is your time. You must get it right.”

He highlighted the need for students to develop a mindset that enables them to be useful to themselves and the nation. “It’s about fit for youth. At the end of the day, after whatever you must have gone through, you can be very useful, not only to yourself, but to the nation.”

The Permanent Secretary stressed the significance of acquiring skills and orientation in the 21st century, which he described as “destructive” and “complex.” Students need to be equipped with the right skills to navigate the challenges of the digital age.

Mr. Kasali outlined the key areas his ministry would focus on, including empowering minds, strategies for empowerment, the power of education, information age and empowerment, core skills, and soft skills. Education is not just about acquiring degrees, but about developing skills and abilities that can help individuals survive and thrive in a rapidly changing world.

The Permanent Secretary emphasized the importance of inclusiveness and giving everyone a sense of belonging. Empowerment is about giving someone a seat, a space, and a sense of belonging, and making room for those who have never been included before.

Mrs. Oluwakemi Kalesanwo, Director of the Lagos State Agency for Mass Education delivered an impactful session on the importance of vocational education. She shed light on the different modes of vocational training available in Lagos, emphasizing that the state recognizes three key categories: formal, semi-formal, and non-formal.

Formal vocational training, as she explained, is structured and provided through recognized institutions under LASVEV. Semi-formal training requires participants to have completed secondary school education, while non-formal training is more flexible, conducted up to three times a week and open to broader participation.

Mrs. Kalesanwo passionately advocated for vocational training as a powerful tool for personal growth and economic empowerment, not just an optional alternative. “Everyone has a talent,” she stated, encouraging youths to explore their inner potential in areas like cooking, singing, and more.

She urged attendees to embrace an entrepreneurial mindset over a fixed mindset, highlighting vocational skills as a pathway to building a sustainable future. Whether it’s a three-month, six-month, or nine-month course, she emphasized the importance of learning a skill and taking advantage of the opportunities offered by the Lagos State Government.