By Olanrewaju Adesanya
Worried by the dearth of quality teachers who can deliver sound training especially in public schools in the state, a Lagos Lawmaker, Hon. Surajudeen Tijani, has called for the upgrade of the state’s College of Education, in Ijanikin, into a university degree awarding institution.
Tijani, who is representing Ojo Constituency 2 in the Lagos State House of Assembly made the call in an interview with journalists in his Lagos office on Wednesday.
The lawmaker opined that the proposed upgrade will enhance the quality of knowledge of trained teachers produced in the state.
The lawmaker said a state like Lagos should have a specialised university for the production of world-class teachers, who would help to build quality manpower for the sustainability of the state’s education sector.
Speaking further, Tijani explained that as a new lawmaker, he had continued to learn the rope in the House, saying that no matter the educational cum working experience acquired, there is need to get acquainted with the workings of the legislature.
He added that his contributions to the party for years earned him the legislative position, saying that he had been in the progressive wing since 1997.
“I have been into politics since the period of Grassroots Democratic Movement (GDM) as an active member. I served as a Financial Secretary of APC in my Ward before being elected as a lawmaker. I am a grassroots mobiliser I have been close to my people. I am not an accidental politician, I like politics and have laboured for my party for years”, said Tijani.
Speaking on the needs of his constituents, the lawmaker said “I appeal to the state government to commence infrastructural projects in the constituency so as to ease the commuting challenges facing the people.
He suggested that the inner roads should also be considered for rehabilitation, saying this would reduce the pressure on the major roads.
Tijani said despite being a lawmaker, he had to combine the roles of both the executive and the legislature so as to address the challenges facing his constituents, adding that it was the reason he constructed the mini bridge that links the riverine communities.
“Presently, the road that connects Iyana Era on Badagry expressway to my own town was out of use for some months but with the efforts of my Baale and the businessmen in the area, we ensure that we did some palliative to make it passable. As I speak with you, the road is motorable pending the intervention of the state government.
“In terms of welfare, I contribute to the promotion of the welfare of my constituents. I also reach out to those who have health challenges.
“On education, because I know the impact of education on national development, early this year I distributed over 300 JAMB forms and I was so happy because I know the beneficiaries will never forget who bought them the form”, said Tijani.
While felicitating with the Speaker of the House, Rt (Hon) Mudashiru Obasa on his birthday, Tijani said ” Obasa is beyond being called a leader but a father and mentor because he possesses all features of both.
Tijani said before his emergence as a legislator in 2019, he had a negative mindset about the House, but that the leadership style of the Speaker changed his perception and thinking about the legislative institution.
“Obasa is tolerant, accommodating and never underestimate each lawmaker. Even new lawmakers, he carried us along in the decision making process of the House and always educate us about the legislature and its process when and where necessary. The Speaker is worth celebrating because he has been there for us”, said Tijani.
“In the history of Lagos State, we the new lawmakers were given opportunity to showcase and display our ideas and our performance is beyond expectations because we don’t act like new entrants”, said Tijani.
Tijani, however, advised Lagosians to continue to support government, saying that it would encourage the government to do more.