LASU 13th Governing Council Sets Strategic 4-Year Roadmap Following Three-Day Retreat

The 13th Governing Council of Lagos State University has concluded a 3-day retreat during which it charted a strategic roadmap for its tenure as the institution's apex decision-making organ. The retreat, themed "Purposeful Governance: Charting a Strategic Roadmap for LASU," was held from Friday, 16th to Sunday, 18th January 2026 at the BON Hotel, Ikeja.

At the formal opening ceremony on Saturday, the Honourable Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hon. Tolani Sule, commended the Governing Council and Management for convening the "timely and strategic retreat" mere weeks after their inauguration by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. He observed that the retreat provided an opportunity for the Council to reflect and deliberately plan for the future, demonstrating foresight that bodes well for LASU's trajectory. 

He enjoined the Council and Management to work collaboratively for the good of the university, stating: "No university can achieve excellence in an atmosphere of disunity. The relationship between Council and Management must be one of cooperation, mutual respect, and shared responsibility. When trust and open communication exist between both arms, the institution thrives. I therefore urge the Council and Management to see themselves as partners working towards the same goal."

Barrister Babatunde Ogala, SAN, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, in his address, offered clear, specific roadmaps for the Council anchored on the values of accountability, integrity, and transparency. He emphasised the need for the university to leverage its strategic location to achieve global relevance. 

"We must leverage the core advantage of having this university in the commercial capital of Nigeria. We must leverage the aquatic landscape of Lagos and its position as a hub of shipping in Nigeria by conducting research into the Blue Economy. We must leverage the Dangote Refinery, the biggest in Africa, as well as the city's position as the busiest aviation hub in West Africa. There are many strategic advantages Lagos offers that we must harness," he stated.

In her address, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, spoke on the need for the university to continually reposition itself to meet global standards. "As a university with a proud history and an even more promising future, LASU must continually reposition itself to respond effectively to evolving global standards, national priorities, and the aspirations of our students, staff, and stakeholders." She added that the retreat was designed to help the Council and Management work together to achieve that vision.

The addresses were followed by a series of lectures delivered by renowned thought leaders to stimulate creative ideas towards developing the roadmap. 

Emeritus Professor Peter Okebukola, OFR, speaking on University Governance, reiterated the Commissioner's call for the Council and Management to work as a cohesive team. He urged the Council to focus on societal engagement by addressing challenges peculiar to the state and country, entrenching quality-based standards, ensuring ethical leadership, supporting student success, and seeking to compete globally whilst serving Africa. 

Mr Akin Kekere-Ekun, OFR, former Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, spoke on "Ethics in University Governance," sharing personal experiences to guide the direction of the new Council. 

Dr Laila St. Matthew-Daniel delivered a lecture on Stress Management, highlighting the critical role of stress management and emotional intelligence in effective leadership.

The lectures were followed by a robust discussion session on the "Vision, Mission, 4-Year Action Plan, and Roadmap for Governing Council," facilitated by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Prof. Oseni Taiwo Afisi. The session evolved into an extensive brainstorming exercise, forming the core of the day's retreat and culminating in a comprehensive roadmap to guide the Council's activities over the next four years. 

Earlier on Friday, the Council had held its 144th Statutory Meeting and concluded the day's activities with a dinner party. 

The retreat will end on Sunday, 18th January 2026, with the departure of participants.