By Henry Oladele
Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Lagos State University (LASU), has called on the institution’s incoming administration to respect the place of the Senate in its academic governance.
Olatunji-Bello made the call in her valedictory lecture titled: “From Vision to Legacy; Leadership, Institutional Transformation and the Making of Globally Competitive Lagos State University”.
The occasion also witnessed the presentation of a book in her honour, titled; “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, Media Relations Unit, Centre for Information and Public Relations, LASU.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the lecture marked the end of Tunji-Bello’s tenure as substantive vice chancellor of the university, having been appointed on Sept. 16, 2021.
She is to vacate office on Sept. 19, for her successor, Prof. Olawunmi Badejo.
Olatunji-Bello urged the incoming vice-chancellor to also protect the academic integrity of LASU and value consultation, in administering the institution.
“My message to them 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.
“But when difficult decisions become necessary, have the courage to make them,” she said.
The outgoing vice chancellor also urged her successor to remain intellectually curious and embrace change when changing circumstances demanded it.
She said some projects would need completion, systems improved, programmes redesigned and new initiatives introduced.
“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 admonished.
Olatunji-Bello noted that such was the standard she had used in judging her tenure and hoped her successors would also embrace it.
She, however, noted that the future of the university would never depend on the vice chancellor alone.
According to her, the university’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) increased from approximately N3 billion from Sept. 2021 to N13 billion.
She noted that the growth was one of the clearest measures of the transformation recorded during her administration.
Olatunji-Bello said her administration articulated six strategic goals upon assumption of office, to provide a framework for evaluating and aligning major initiatives.
She said the goals were designed to support the university’s long-term aspiration of becoming the best in West Africa.
The vice chancellor said her administration introduced a scholarship policy for students who attained a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.50 and above.
She said the policy provided beneficiaries with a 50 per cent tuition rebate to recognise exceptional academic performance.
According to her, external partners also supported students through scholarships, with OPay providing N60million and WAPCO N47.4 million.
She listed Stanbic IBTC, JAGAL Foundation and Lateefat Odunuga National Foundation among other organisations that supported the scholarship initiative.
Olatunji-Bello said the university also introduced a Work-Study Scheme, engaging students in ICT-related projects, to provide financial support and professional experience.
She further explained that LASU recorded a rise in the number of first class graduates during her tenure.
“At our 25th Convocation, LASU produced 112 first class graduates. It was the highest number the institution had recorded at the time.
“Then, only one year later, in the combined 26th convocation, we broke our own record. The number of first class graduates rose to 282,” she said.
The outgoing vice chancellor said the university produced its first graduate with a perfect CGPA of 5.00 during the period.
She identified the graduate as Aminat Yusuf of the Faculty of Law.
Olatunji-Bello added that 494 first-class graduates emerged from the recently held 29th and 30th combined convocation.
According to her, 262 graduated from the 2024/2025 academic session, while 232 others graduated from the 2025/2026 session.
Olatunji-Bello said her administration revitalised the Foundation Programme into the Lagos State University School of Basic and Advanced Studies.
She said the university also expanded its Sandwich programmes for working professionals and strengthened Distance Education through the revitalisation of its ODLRI.
She said the initiatives provided prospective students with more routes and modes of accessing education at LASU.
The outgoing vice chancellor said the university’s transformation was driven by its workforce, including academic, administrative, technical and professional staff.
“Buildings could not undertake the work; financial figures could not teach our students, digital platforms could not create a university community by themselves, people did,” she said.
The outgoing vice chancellor further expressed gratitude to members of the university management who worked with her during her five-year tenure.
She acknowledged the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) Prof. Oluwatoyin Enikuomehin; the former Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics) Prof. Olufunsho Omobitan; the Registrar, Mr Emmanuel Fanu; his predecessor, Mr Olayinka Amuni and the former Bursar, Mr Said Olayinka.
She also commended the current Bursar, Mr Olabisi Yusuf, as well as the university Librarian, Dr Omawunmi Makinde.
Olatunji-Bello said leadership at the level of vice chancellor was never the work of one individual.
“Whatever we have been able to accomplish was made possible by men and women who accepted the burden of responsibility and worked with commitment to translate our collective vision into reality,” she said.
She said members of management deliberated together, disagreed when necessary, resolved difficult questions and confronted challenges collectively.
The outgoing vice chancellor further said they remained united by the responsibility entrusted to them.
She also expressed appreciation to former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Prof. Adenike Boyo; the current Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics) Prof. Oseni Afisi and Prof. Maruf Animashaun.
She also acknowledged the Vice Chancellor, Lagos State University of Education, Prof. Bidemi Lafiaji-Okuneye, among many others, for their support before and during her stewardship.
Olatunji-Bello said she remained grateful for their loyalty, friendship, counsel and unwavering support.(NAN)
Edited by Chinyere Nwachukwu