LAMATA HOSTS OKE-OGUN POLY’S HND TRANSPORT STUDENTS

On July 5, 2023, the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority (LAMATA) hosted a one-day study trip for the students enrolled in the Higher National Diploma (HND) Transport Planning and Management program at The Oke-Ogun Polytechnic in Saki, Oyo State, Nigeria. The main objective of the trip was to enrich the students’ comprehension of public transport planning, operation, management, and infrastructure development within a metropolitan setting. LAMATA officials, including the Managing Director, Engr. Abimbola Akinajo, as well as Engr. Osa Koyenha, Mr. Ayodeji Adegboye, Mr. Tunde Obadina, and other staff members warmly welcomed and interacted with the students.

 

During the visit, the students had the opportunity to engage in a series of presentations and discussions led by LAMATA experts. The topics covered a wide range of transportation issues in Lagos and the interventions implemented by the organization. These included the historical perspectives of transport in Lagos, the establishment and evolution of LAMATA, the Bus Rapid Transit system, the Lagos Rail project, the fourth mainland bridge, sustainable transportation practices, the role of technology in enhancing transport services, and the future plans of LAMATA to meet the growing transportation needs of Lagos. The students also had the privilege of exploring LAMATA’s facilities and interacting with professionals working in the field of transportation. This provided them with invaluable insights into the intricacies involved in managing an urban transportation system and the innovative approaches employed by LAMATA. The students actively participated in a question-and-answer session, which allowed them to clarify their doubts and gain further understanding, particularly through interactions with the Managing Director.

 

Overall, the study trip to LAMATA proved to be an enriching and significant milestone in the academic journey of the HND students in The Oke-Ogun Polytechnic, Saki. It broadened their horizons and inspired them to contribute to the development of efficient and sustainable transportation systems in their future careers. In other words, the experience provided practical insights into the complexities and challenges faced in the transportation industry, along with potential solutions to improve mobility in densely populated areas. Moreover, it fostered a sense of inspiration and motivation among the students, encouraging them to pursue careers in transportation planning, engineering, and management.

Dr. Akanmu Ademola, the Head of Department of Transport Planning and Management at The Oke-Ogun Polytechnic, Saki, expressed his admiration for LAMATA as the driving force and hub of transport system innovation in Africa. While commending LAMATA’s hospitality and willingness to share their expertise to the students, he emphasized that all states in the country have much to learn from LAMATA and Lagos State in order to enhance their own transport systems. Dr. Akanmu on behalf of the Rector of the Institution, Dr. S. A. Ajibola extended his appreciation to LAMATA for warmly welcoming the students and facilitating a fruitful learning experience.

To conclude the visit, Miss Kafayat Dolapo, the President of the Transport Students’ Association supported by Mr. Adeyemi Joel, presented LAMATA with a well-deserved meritorious award in recognition of their outstanding contributions to community development and efficient service delivery.