The outgoing Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU), Distinguished Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, has urged her successor, Professor Olawunmi Badejo, to protect the university’s academic integrity, embrace innovation, strengthen scholarships and build on the institution’s achievements.
Olatunji-Bello made the call during her valedictory lecture and book launch, titled “From Vision to Legacy: Leadership, Institutional Transformation and the Making of a Globally Competitive Lagos State University,” held at the Buba Marwa Auditorium, LASU Main Campus, Ojo, to mark the conclusion of her five-year tenure.
She emphasised the importance of respecting institutional traditions, protecting the university’s reputation and creating room for innovation and research, while highlighting key achievements recorded during her administration.
She also expressed appreciation to stakeholders for their support and partnership in advancing the university’s vision.
The event featured the launch of “Fortitude: An Insider’s Account of the Emergence of Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello as LASU’s Ninth Vice-Chancellor and the Events that Shaped Her Administration,” authored by Oluwaseun Gbanja.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, commended Olatunji-Bello’s administration for its achievements in research, innovation and digital transformation, assuring that the state government remained committed to creating an environment where learning thrives.
Also, the wife of the Governor, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, congratulated the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, expressing appreciation for her contribution to repositioning LASU and leaving a lasting legacy.
In their goodwill messages, Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Tolani Sule, and Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Education, Owolabi Ajani, commended Professor Olatunji-Bello for projecting LASU positively in Nigeria and internationally.
The Chairman of the occasion, Aderemi Makanjuola, described her tenure as impactful, noting her contributions to transforming LASU into a globally competitive institution.
He also congratulated the newly appointed tenth substantive Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olawunmi Badejo.
Earlier, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academics, and Chairman of the Organising Committee, Professor Oseni Afisi, said the event provided an opportunity for the outgoing Vice-Chancellor to reflect on her leadership journey, decisions, challenges and lessons, while sharing her vision for the future of the university and education generally.
The author said the book was written to promote continuity and provide insights into the political, human and financial complexities of managing a public university.
Gbanja, who said the book had reshaped his understanding of leadership, stressed that good intentions do not always produce desired outcomes.
He urged leaders to pay attention to spoken and unspoken messages, remain attentive to their environment and exercise authority responsibly.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Professor Oluwatoyin Enikuomehin, delivered the vote of thanks expressing gratitude to those who attended the event in honour of the Distinguished Professor Olatunji-Bello.
Dignitaries at the event included the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Tunji Bello; the sixth Chancellor of LASU and Alara of Ilara Kingdom, Epe, Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo; Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Tolani Sule; and other guests.
