The Lagos State Science, Research & Innovation Council (LASRIC) was recently inaugurated, in a ceremony that saw the formal induction of the Chairman (Prof. Olumuyiwa Odusanya) and members of LASRIC by the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Governor Sanwo-Olu announced a significant pledge of 1 billion Naira as seed funding for startups, to be disbursed through LASRIC.
The newly inducted members of the LASRIC Council, chosen to drive innovation and excellence, are:
- Prof. Olumuyiwa Odusanya : Vice Chancellor, Lagos State University of Science & Technology
- Prof. Peter Bamkole, PhD: Chief Operating Officer, Pan Atlantic University
- Prof. Folasade Tolulope Ogunsola: Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos
- Prof. Benjamin Aribisala: Director, Centre of Excellence for Sargassum Research, Lagos State University
- Mrs. Nkemdilim Uwaje Begho F.SCGN: CEO, Future Soft Resource Ltd
- Mrs. Oreoluwa Somolu Lesi:Founder, Women Tech Empowerment Centre
- Mr. Kola Aina.: Founding Partner, Platform Venture Studio
- Mr. Sulaimon Abubakar: CEO, Sterling Bank
- Mr. Victor ‘Gbenga Afolabi : Founder, Eko Innovation Centre NG
- Mr. Harry ‘Tomi Davies: Collaborator In Chief, TVC Lab
- Mr. Tunbosun Alake: Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology
- Mr. Mosopefolu George: Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget
- Engr. Mrs. Ibilola Kasunmu: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology
- Mrs. Feyisayo A.: Executive Secretary, Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) Employment Trust Fund
Emphasising the state’s intent to support innovation, and acknowledging Lagos as the home to many promising early-stage and unicorn startups, Governor Sanwo-Olu said:
As we reconstitute the LASRIC Council with a stellar team and a renewed commitment to enhancing the state’s educational capacity, we firmly believe that the evaluation needed for this economy will require significant investment in science, innovation, and technology. Therefore, at the reconstruction of this body today, I want to emphasize the key areas that we should focus on.
Deputy Governor Babafemi Hamzat, during his keynote address, reinforced the commitment of the State government, saying:
We, as the state government, are committed to significantly increasing our investment in research and innovation. This means more grants, more science and innovation-related programs, and more financial support with patents and projects that demonstrate the potential of this economy
