VC pledges to internationalise LASU

Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, Vice-Chancellor, Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, says her vision is to internationalise the institution by partnering with more foreign universities across the world.

Olatunji-Bello, the first Professor of Physiology at the LASU College of Medicine, Ikeja, made the assertion in an exclusive interview with our correspondent on Tuesday in Lagos.

She said that the university authorities would bring in foreign students and staff from other countries to LASU for learning.

According to her, the aim is to improve synergy with international universities in exchange for their staff and students for learning.

“Currently, LASU partnered with Cornell University in New York to offer online post-graduate professional certificate programmes.

“We plan to collaborate with more universities in China, South Africa and even our neighbouring countries, Togo and Benin Republic.

“We want to get international students coming to LASU to learn the Yoruba Language as a course and our students will go to those institutions to learn or perfect French and other languages.

“To achieve this we are working to improve our website,” Olatunji-Bello said.

Olatunji-Bello said that the aim was to ensure anybody in Nigeria and outside the country could view and do a virtual tour of LASU on the website.

According to her, the authorities are encouraging academic staff to conduct problem-solving research to be one of the best universities in the world.

“We have established a Directorate of Staff Welfare and Training to ensure that all staff enjoy regular in-house and external training to empower them to deliver excellent service.

“We will continue to address issues of welfare to ensure that staff are motivated and ready to do their best for the university.”

The vice-chancellor added that LASU had begun virtual learning.

“Our Open and Distant Learning and Research Institute (ODLRI) are teaching students through virtual platforms.

“One of the major courses for students’ General Studies Unit (GNS 101) is blended with 70 per cent of virtual learning.

“Our College of Medicine is the only College in the country that teaches through the virtual platform during and after the COVID-19 lockdown,” the LASU vice-chancellor said.