From Aspiring Policewoman to Prominent Academic: The Journey of LASU's Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello

In an exclusive interview, the Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU), Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, shared her remarkable journey from childhood dreams to becoming an esteemed lecturer. She opened up about her family, career, and her role as LASU's VC.

When asked about her childhood ambitions, Prof. Olatunji-Bello revealed that she once aspired to be a policewoman. Her early passion was so strong that some still call her 'Sisi Olopa' (police lady). However, fate led her to a different path – physiology. Initially admitted for pharmacology, she found herself in physiology and committed to obtaining a PhD in the field. Her love for endocrinology and specialties in thyroid glands and diabetes paved the way for her academic career.

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The VC's parents were God-fearing and loving individuals. Her father, Chief Meshach Ibidapo, was a respected figure, working as a contractor and engineer. While her mother was a full-time housewife, her father insisted on providing everything for the family. Even when the VC was at university, her father gave his female children cars, reflecting his protective nature.

The Vice-Chancellor's journey to the top of academia wasn't a fluke. She expressed that she always saw it coming and was determined to achieve her goals. Despite the intrigues that preceded her becoming VC, she stayed focused and didn't give up. Prof. Olatunji-Bello's story is a testament to the importance of perseverance.

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She acknowledged that women often need to put in twice the effort of their male counterparts to reach the pinnacle of their careers. The VC personally experienced this and made significant sacrifices. These sacrifices included sleep deprivation due to her commitment to research and academic work, even at night and weekends. She encouraged women to stay focused, work hard, and never feel inferior to men.

Prof. Olatunji-Bello met her husband, who is now Lagos State Commissioner for Environment, while he campaigned for a position in the Students' Union at the University of Ibadan. It was love at first sight, and her impression of him was "This fine boy." Their love story began in 1982, and they've been together for nearly 40 years. Her husband's "fine boy" face was the initial attraction, and they have a family of three children, making a total of seven when adding a son-in-law and grandson.

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Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello's journey from an aspiring policewoman to a distinguished academic and the VC of LASU is an inspiring tale of determination, hard work, and resilience. Her story demonstrates the heights that can be achieved when one sets their sights on a vision and perseveres.