Column

10 Fun Facts about LASPOTECH

Safiu Kehinde

Prior to the conversion of the institution, Lagos State Polytechnic is one of the most sought after tertiary institution in Lagos. Well known for its affordability, accommodating gesture, and accessibility, LASPOTECH, in short, has for long proved to be the citadel of learning. With three campuses situated at Isolo, Surulere, and Ikorodu, LASPOTECH like every other prominent institution has within her fascinating views, students activities, and trends.

However, there are some oblivious facts that you might not easily notice in Laspotech- the Ikorodu main campus precisely. LaspoWatch presents to you, the 10 fun facts about Lagos State Polytechnic.

1. Laspostress: If you’re looking for an institution that is practically-minded, Laspotech has enough in store for you. There is this sheer display of technical approach to learning where you get saddled with a lot of practical assignments/tasks. Most times, these assignments demands a lot of effort and time. There is every tendency of getting stressed out in the course of doing one assignment or the other. Coupled with the lengthy distance you are likely cover by foot in some cases, Laspotech is nicknamed Laspostress.

2. Laspotech Staff Primary and Secondary School: Within its Ikorodu campus, Laspotech has primary and secondary school situated along second gate axis. Though this not bad, but what baffles me is the possibility of a child spending his or her whole academic life-cycle in a single institution- provided that the child earn admission into the school’s tertiary level. Such experience will be nothing short of a lab rat running over a wheel.

3. Cattle Ranch: Don’t be too surprised or shocked at the sight of cattle around the school activities centre. For those who have developed phobia for cattle on account of Fulani herdsmen palaver, there is nothing to worry about when you encounter Laspotech’s cattle. They are bred and monitored by the school management. Each cow has a tag clipped on its ear and an herder do usher them to and fro their ranch which is located beside ICT Centre. Recall that the Ikorodu campus was once School of Agriculture. Thus, the cattle and some other agricultural settlement in the school are part of the monuments from the past.

4. Link Road: Thanks to the vast land amassed by the school. The first gate and third gate of Laspotech main campus serve as a link between two major roads. The school’s first gate leads to Ikorodu-Shagamu road while the third gate leads to places like Itagama, Elepe, Lagos-Epe road, Itoikin, etc. Thus, commuters do ply Laspotech’s road before the management limit the route to residents, students, and staffs only through the issuance of pass sticker.

5. 100 Naira t-fare: Though exclusive to only students and staffs, Laspotech Bus t-fare from Ikorodu to Isolo is far the most cheapest for such distance- cheaper than that of BRT. It costs you just 100 Naira! Students and staffs who reside at Isolo usually wait for the bus in the morning at the Isolo campus. After school’s activities for the day, the assemble at Ikorodu campus' garage for the bus to take them back to Isolo, spending only 200 Naira to and fro.

6. Laspotech FM: Aside earning recognition as UNESCO’s Centre of Reference, Laspotech’s Department of Mass Communication now has a Radio Station with frequency band, Laspotech FM 101.9. Presently, it can only be heard within the Ikorodu campus and few kilometers away from the campus. But with advancement, the radio station has the potential of acquiring stronger wavelength in the nearest future.

7. Poverty Doughnut: Do not have an impression that Laspotech students are poor. There big boys and big girls on this prestigious campus. In fact, the campus has in its domain, men of timber and caliber and women of vigor and valor. But as a student, it’s normal to have brief encounter with Sapa sometimes. It is likely you find yourself in some broke situations and the need to economize will arise. Therefore, o salvage this situation, there is a particular shop at the school activities centres often bombarded by students for a larger than life doughnut that costs just 50 Naira! Two of this doughnuts and a chill 50 Naira Zobo is enough to replenish your belly. The hugeness of this doughnut and its relatively cheap price gave it the name, Poverty Doughnut.

8. “Watch Out” Display: The past Students Union Government’s Election campaign saw the whole school under the raid of watch out posters and banners. This might sound common among all tertiary institution, but the uncommon factor in Laspotech is the display of watchout outside the school campus. Aspirants do go extra mile of boldly emblazoning their names on, streets, hostels and fences with paint. This is usually carried out at night and the outcome is most times unpleasant for house owners. So if you are planning to start hostel business in Laspotech, get your house painted before you meet your worst painting nightmare.

9. Utilex Farm: Another monument of the past which still operates till today is Laspotech utilex Farm. It is situated in one of the most creepiest place on the campus. Flanked by bushes, Cassava plants, and trees, the farm engages in garri production, poultry, and fishery.

10. Library’s Three Reading Rooms: The school library is known to be the administrative house of the entire school. The big guns of the school, ranging from the Rector to the Registrar, all have their offices in the library. However, the library also boasts of three reading rooms for students- two fully equipped with books and one equipped with just desks and chairs, as well as a functional e-library.