Sanwo-Olu hails outgoing LASU VC for legacies

Lagos State Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Thursday praised the outgoing Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University  (LASU) Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello for contributions to the university’s growth and development.

Sanwo-Olu made the commendation at Olatunji-Bello’s valedictory lecture and book launch in Lagos. 

He was represented by the Secretary to Lagos State Government, Mrs Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin.

The event was held at the Buba Marwa Auditorium in the main campus of LASU at Ojo.

The lecture had the title: “From Vision to Legacy: Leadership, Institutional Transformation and the Making of Globally-Competitive Lagos State University”.

It was delivered by Olatunji-Bello, whose tenure Sanwo-Olu described as a significant chapter in the history of the institution.

The governor acknowledged the importance of leadership, vision, patience and collaboration in the growth of a university.

According to him, the achievements recorded by LASU under Olatunji-Bello’s leadership would lead to the institution’s continued growth.

“Leadership of a university requires vision, patience, knowledge and the ability to bring people together,” he said.

The governor thanked the outgoing vice-chancellor for service and dedication to the development of LASU.

He said the university’s commitment to knowledge, talent and innovation remained important to the future of students and the wider society.

The governor congratulated the outgoing vice-chancellor on the completion of her tenure and wished her success in her future endeavours.

He acknowledged the contributions of those who supported the university’s development during the period.

Earlier in the valedictory lecture, Olatunji-Bello urged the incoming Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olawunmi Badejo, to protect the academic integrity of LASU and value consultation.

“My message, therefore, is not that they should preserve my administration unchanged. Far from it; my hope is that they will improve upon what we have done.

“They should protect the academic integrity of this university, hold consultations, respect the place of the senate in the academic governance of LASU and listen carefully,” she said. 

Olatunji-Bello advised Badejo to have the courage to take difficult decisions when necessary.

She also urged Badejo to remain intellectually curious and embrace change when circumstances would require it.

Olatunji-Bello said some projects would need completion while some systems would need improvement and programmes require redesigning.

She also said that there would be need for more initiatives.

“Do not be afraid to build differently from us where the future demands it but whatever you do, leave LASU stronger than you met it,” she advised.

It was reported that the occasion featured presentation of a book in Olatunji-Bello’s honour.

The book is entitled “Fortitude: An Insider’s Account of the Emergence of Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello as LASU’s Ninth Vice-Chancellor and the Events that Shaped Her Administration”.

The author of the book is Mr Oluwaseun Gbanja, Head of Media Relations Unit, Centre for Information and Public Relations, LASU.

The event brought together members of the university community and other stakeholders.

It was reported that Olatunji-Bello’s tenure as the Vice Chancellor of LASU will end on Sept. 19.

Her successor, Badejo, will assume office on Sept. 20.

Olatunji-Bello served as the Vice-Chancellor of LASU from 2021.