The Lagos State College of Health Technology (LASCOHET) has called for sustainable funding curriculum review and stronger institutional structures as it prepares for its proposed transition from a college to a polytechnic.
The Provost Prof. Raheem Akewushola made the call at the institution’s management retreat in Lekki Lagos.
The retreat themed ‘Unlocking Strategies and Structure for Actualising Sustainable Development for Lagos State College of Health Technology’.
Akewushola said the retreat provided an opportunity for the institution to assess its performance identify operational challenges and develop practical strategies for sustainable development ahead of the proposed transition.
He noted that changing healthcare demands advances in medical technology and increasing expectations from students employers and regulators required regular reviews of academic programmes and administrative systems.
‘As a college entrusted with the responsibility of training allied healthcare professionals we just recognise that our relevance and competitiveness depend not only on the quality of our academic programmes but also on the strength of our institutional structures’ he said.
The provost stressed the need to update the curriculum to reflect emerging developments in the healthcare sector maintain academic standards and equip students with entrepreneurial skills to improve their employability.
He described the proposed transition to a polytechnic as an opportunity to expand the institution’s capacity and strengthen its operations adding that adequate structures must be established to ensure financial independence and long-term sustainability.
Akewushola urged the management and staff to explore alternative revenue sources to reduce the institution’s dependence on government funding.
He also highlighted improvements in the college’s digital operations including the automation of student registration and payment processes and the establishment of an Information and Communications Technology centre.
According to him sustaining the institution’s progress requires effective leadership teamwork institutional commitment and collective responsibility across departments and units.
The provost urged participants to use the retreat to review existing structures identify areas requiring improvement and develop actionable recommendations to enhance efficiency and align the institution’s operations with its vision and mission.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Tertiary Education Hon. Tolani Sule reaffirmed the importance of strategic planning and institutional development in advancing the state’s tertiary education objectives.
Sule who was represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary Adeniran Kasali said the proposed transition would create opportunities for the institution its staff and students.
He urged LASCOHET to strengthen its consultancy services partnerships and short-term professional training programmes as part of efforts to generate additional revenue.
Kasali said the college could organise specialised training programmes and conferences for healthcare practitioners to improve professional capacity while supporting its financial sustainability.
He also encouraged the institution to collaborate with government agencies healthcare institutions and development partners to broaden its revenue base beyond conventional academic programmes.
The permanent secretary emphasised the importance of staff development noting that capacity building required a combination of knowledge skills and the right professional attitude.
He acknowledged the role of institutions such as LASCOHET in training competent healthcare professionals for Lagos State and Nigeria stressing that continuous improvement in educational standards was essential to meeting the evolving needs of the healthcare sector.
In her keynote address the Chief Executive Officer of the African Business Coalition for Health Dr Moris Atoki said LASCOHET had an important role to play in shaping the future of healthcare delivery in Lagos State.
She urged the institution to align its academic programmes with the changing needs of the healthcare system to remain relevant and produce graduates capable of addressing emerging challenges in the sector.
Atoki identified governance strategy finance academics workforce development digital infrastructure facilities research and partnerships as critical areas requiring attention for sustainable institutional development.
She called on the management to strengthen its governance framework through clearly defined responsibilities effective financial controls periodic risk assessments and transparent accountability mechanisms.
On financial sustainability Atoki advised the college to evaluate the costs and revenue potential of its academic programmes while exploring consultancy services professional training grants alumni contributions and partnerships with development organisations.
She said such initiatives would help the institution diversify its income sources and strengthen its capacity to sustain operations in the long term.
The chief executive also emphasised the need for investment in digital infrastructure skills laboratories reliable power supply and internet connectivity to equip students with competencies relevant to contemporary healthcare practice.
She added that strategic leadership organisational effectiveness innovation and forward-looking planning were essential to strengthening institutions and improving their ability to fulfil their mandates.
‘The finances and governance structures must support the long-term operations of the college and sustain performance regardless of changes in political leadership or policy priorities’ she said.
Atoki noted that the institution’s success should be measured not only by its activities but also by the quality of its graduates and their contributions to the healthcare sector.
The retreat provided a platform for management and staff to deliberate on institutional priorities improve administrative processes and develop strategies for strengthening academic delivery financial management and organisational effectiveness.