By Ayomide Otitoju
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged African leaders to reform higher education across the continent to promote entrepreneurship and equip young people with skills relevant to the rapidly evolving demands of the 21st century.
Delivering the keynote address on Thursday at the official launch of the Centre for African Social and Economic Transformation (CASET) at the University of the West of England in Bristol, Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized the urgency of transforming education into a tool for economic empowerment and inclusive growth.
“The transformation we seek is not an abstract ideal; it is real, a call to action, and it is urgent,” the Governor said. “We must harness our collective resources, talents, and networks to create real opportunities for millions across Africa.”
Describing CASET as “a beacon of bold and bright promise,” Sanwo-Olu affirmed Lagos State’s commitment to supporting the centre’s mission, stating, “We will be a willing and committed partner and help forge additional partnerships.”
He called on academics, policymakers, business leaders, development partners, and other stakeholders to embrace CASET as a rallying point for cross-sectoral collaboration, aimed at turning “ideas into action, and action into lasting transformation.”
As Patron of CASET, Governor Sanwo-Olu highlighted Africa’s youth-driven demographic, noting that over 60% of the continent’s 1.4 billion people are under 25. “Africa holds the greatest reservoir of youthful energy, talent, and potential anywhere in the world,” he stated.
He pointed to Lagos State as a model of innovation and growth, citing its thriving creative and startup sectors, infrastructure achievements, and bold economic initiatives. “Lagos is minting some of the world’s most exciting artists and entrepreneurs, while also emerging as a global tech hub,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu further outlined several landmark developments under his administration, including the introduction of a metro rail system, the construction of the largest rice mill in Africa, the West Africa Container Terminal, and a vast integrated transport network. He also mentioned ongoing projects such as the largest food logistics park in West Africa and one of the continent’s largest paediatric hospitals.
He noted that the state is home to the Dangote Refinery — the world’s largest single-train petroleum refinery — located within the rapidly developing Lekki industrial corridor.
“For us in Lagos, ambition and audacity are signature features for all that we do,” Sanwo-Olu said. “We build at scale to transform lives, and that’s why the mission of CASET resonates deeply with me.”
Describing CASET as “more than just a centre,” he said the initiative represents “a movement to foster collaborative research, build institutional capacity, and solve pressing problems,” with African voices and leadership at the forefront.
Sanwo-Olu praised the leadership of the University of the West of England and the efforts of CASET’s founding team, including Director Prof. Paschal Anosike and Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sir Steven West. He also commended the involvement of three Nigerian universities already working with the centre to build institutional capacity.
“As we formally launch CASET today, let us rededicate ourselves to charting a bold new course for Africa’s social and economic transformation,” the governor urged.
