Governor Sanwo-Olu Appoints Professor Ayodeji Badejo as 10th Substantive Vice-Chancellor of LASU

The Lagos State Governor and Visitor to Lagos State University (LASU), Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has appointed Professor Ayodeji Olawunmi Badejo as the 10th Substantive Vice-Chancellor of the University.

The appointment was announced on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, in a statement issued by the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso.

The appointment was made in accordance with the provisions of the LASU Law 2004 (as amended), Ch. L69, Vol. 7, Schedule 1, Section 3, which provides for the appointment of the Vice-Chancellor.

Professor Badejo, a Professor of Counselling Psychology and distinguished academic and university administrator, will succeed Distinguished Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, whose tenure will end on Saturday, September 19, 2026.

She will assume office as Vice-Chancellor on Sunday, September 20, 2026, for a single five-year term.

Professor Ayodeji Olawunmi Badejo was born on August 4, 1962. She has over three decades of academic scholarship, teaching, research, institutional leadership, mentorship and pedagogical innovation, with an accomplished career spanning academic teaching, research, administration, professional service and student development.

Professor Badejo obtained her NCE in 1983, followed by a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree in 1986, a Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree in 1988 and a PhD in Guidance and Counselling in 1998.

Her academic career has progressed steadily through the lecturer cadre to the rank of Professor, with significant contributions to Counselling Psychology and higher education.

At Lagos State University, Professor Badejo has served in several strategic academic and administrative capacities at departmental, faculty and university-wide levels. Her leadership responsibilities have included membership of the Lagos State University Governing Council, Chairmanship of the Senate Curriculum Committee and other key University assignments.

As Chairman of the Senate Curriculum Committee, she contributed significantly to curriculum development and validation, academic planning and the alignment of the University’s academic programmes with the requirements of the National Universities Commission (NUC). She also facilitated the development and introduction of new academic programmes.

As Dean of the Faculty of Education, Professor Badejo provided academic and administrative leadership that contributed to the advancement of the Faculty. During her tenure, approximately 20 academic staff were promoted to the professorial cadre, while all programmes in the Faculty secured full NUC accreditation.

Professor Badejo has also demonstrated considerable capacity in institutional management, financial stewardship and resource mobilisation.

As Chairman of the Lagos State University International School Board, she led initiatives that strengthened the School’s financial and operational position. Under her leadership, the School’s capital reserves increased from approximately ₦88,000 to ₦121 million, while structural financial deficits were eliminated.

Her tenure also witnessed significant growth in staff strength and student enrolment, alongside sustained exceptional performance in public examinations.

A major hallmark of Professor Badejo’s academic career is her commitment to doctoral education and mentorship. Between 2012 and 2026, she successfully supervised 23 PhD graduates, earning recognition as a “Mentor of Mentors.”

Her supervision record includes a recipient of the 2024 Best PhD Thesis Award, further demonstrating the quality and impact of her doctoral mentorship.

Professor Badejo is a prolific scholar with a substantial body of academic work. She has authored four books, contributed 17 book chapters and published over 60 peer-reviewed journal articles, bringing her total scholarly output to more than 80 major publications.

Her research and scholarly engagements have extended beyond Nigeria, with visibility across international academic platforms.

Her contributions also extend beyond conventional academic scholarship to innovation and social impact. Among her notable creative contributions is the development of a patented Youth Anthem associated with Lagos State University, reflecting her commitment to youth development and initiatives that connect academic expertise with broader societal needs.

Professor Badejo has further distinguished herself in research ethics and governance. As Chairman of the Lagos State University Research Ethics Committee, she has provided leadership in the ethical review of research protocols and strengthened the capacity of committee members through professional training and collaboration with relevant national and professional bodies.

Her professional service extends beyond Lagos State University. She has held leadership responsibilities within professional counselling organisations and contributed to the advancement of the counselling profession in Nigeria.

She is a Fellow of the Counselling Association of Nigeria (CASSON) and a Fellow of the Association of Professional Counsellors in Nigeria (APROCON). She is also a member of professional and scholarly organisations, including the American Psychological Association and the Nigerian Academy of Education.

Professor Badejo’s accomplishments have earned her several national and international recognitions.

Among these is the Key to the City of Niagara Falls, New York, conferred in recognition of her professional standing and contributions. She received professional fellowship recognition from CASSON in 2015 and APROCON in 2022.

In 2025, she was honoured in Pretoria, South Africa, with a Distinguished Personality Award for excellence in higher education in Africa.

Professor Ayodeji Olawunmi Badejo brings to the office of Vice-Chancellor a distinguished record of academic excellence, research productivity, institutional leadership, curriculum development, financial stewardship, ethical governance, innovation and mentorship.

Her more than three decades of service demonstrate a sustained commitment to strengthening educational institutions, advancing scholarship, promoting student development and nurturing the next generation of academics and professionals.

With her extensive academic experience, institutional knowledge, administrative competence and record of service, Professor Badejo assumes the leadership of Lagos State University with a career distinguished by excellence, service and a commitment to the advancement of higher education.