Rep. Babatunde Hunpe, representing Badagry Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, on Monday, appealed to the Federal Government to establish a polytechnic in the ancient city.
Hunpe made the plea in a letter he addressed to the Minister of Education, Alhaji Adamu Adamu, copy of which he made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Badagry on Monday.
He said it was disheartening to note that since 1955, western education had not progressed beyond the secondary school level in the city.
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Hunpe said that the request if granted, would reduce crimes rate among youths as the inhabitant would be exposed to the prospects in education.
He said: “It will help the border town in reducing crimes rate as the inhabitants will be exposed to the prospects in education and would also be distracted from crime-related activities.
“Again, since almost all ethnic nationalities are represented in Badagry, the Federal Polytechnic would be of benefit to all Nigerians.
“Also, the Seme Border, which is situated in Badagry, is the most viable land border in Nigeria in terms of economic activities and income generation for the government,” he said.
“History of Western Education in Nigeria is directly linked to Badagry as the first primary school in Nigeria was established in Badagry in 1843 by the Anglican Missionaries.
“It is, however, surprising to note that Badagry did not experience a secondary school education until after a hundred years when Badagry Grammar School was established in 1955.
“It is very disheartening to note that since 1955 till date, western education in Badagry has not progressed beyond the Secondary School level.
“Sad still is the fact that the impact of the Federal Government is not felt in this regard, despite the immense contributions of Badagry to history, growth of the economy and cultural heritage of Nigeria through its people, land borders, coasts and tourism potential.”
Hunpe said that the establishment of a Federal Polytechnic in Badagry would be a kind gesture by the Federal Government to give back to the community.
“Badagry, a Local Government Area in Lagos State, is a trans-border city with its attendant risks and potential.
“Its geographical location and government institutions have attracted settlers from different professions such as the Civil Service, Military and Para-Military, Border Officials, Tourism Industry, international Business Men.
“It is the second-largest city in Lagos State.
The lawmaker assured Federal Government of his people’s readiness to contribute to the successful take-off of the institution if approved.
“For immediate takeoff of the Polytechnic, the good people of Badagry are ready to release a Vocation Centre situated at Igbogbele Village, Badagry.
“It is a site with 10 classrooms on six acres of land.
“Philanthropists in the community are also ready to donate some structures to serve as office accommodations for principal officers and some other officers.
“A private property owner has also been contacted to release his property as staff quarters at a very subsidised rate
“Also, about 500 acres of land has been reserved in Apa Kingdom, Badagry, to situate the permanent site of the institution,” he said.
Hunpe assured the Federal Government that the people of Badagry were ready to groom and nurture the polytechnic to a formidable and enviable institution if his request was granted.
NAN.https://newsroom.nan.ng/lawmaker-calls-for-establishment-of-federal-polytechnic-in-badagry/
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