LASU Chancellor Commends University’s Growth, Pledges Support for Global Competitiveness

The Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU), His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo, Telade IV, has praised the institution’s rising profile and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting its continued growth, innovation, and global relevance.

The monarch made the remarks during his maiden familiarisation visit to LASU’s main campus in Ojo, Lagos, where he engaged with the university’s leadership and toured key facilities.

Speaking at the Governing Council Chamber of the Babatunde Raji Fashola Senate Building on June 8, 2026, Oba Ogunsanwo described the visit as an opportunity to gain firsthand insight into the university’s governance structure, academic direction, administrative operations, and developmental priorities.

The Chancellor commended the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, and the university management for what he described as a clear and strategic roadmap focused on excellence in teaching, research, innovation, community engagement, and sustainable development.

A major highlight of his remarks was his commendation of LASU’s selection as the South-West host institution for the TETFund Centre of Excellence on Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and Cyber Sciences (ARCS). The initiative, backed by a ₦3 billion intervention fund, is expected to strengthen research, innovation, and capacity development across the region.

Oba Ogunsanwo also applauded the university’s efforts in expanding research capacity, strengthening academic programmes, and advancing digital transformation in line with global best practices.

Reaffirming his support for the institution, the Chancellor pledged to leverage his royal office, professional experience, network, and goodwill to advance LASU’s vision and strengthen its position among leading universities globally.

He, however, stressed the need for stronger collaboration among stakeholders, noting that sustained institutional growth would require greater support from government, alumni, corporate organisations, development partners, and philanthropists.

According to him, deeper partnerships would help unlock new opportunities for development and position LASU as a global centre for entrepreneurship, technology, and sound governance.

In her welcome address, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Olatunji-Bello described the Chancellor’s first official visit as historic and symbolic of a stronger relationship between the university and its leadership.

She also congratulated Oba Ogunsanwo on completing his doctorate degree at LASU, noting that the achievement further strengthens his connection to the institution as both Chancellor and alumnus.

Reflecting on achievements recorded since assuming office in 2021, the Vice-Chancellor highlighted several milestones, including LASU’s emergence as Nigeria’s most subscribed university during the 2025 and 2026 JAMB admission cycles, rapid infrastructure development, full accreditation of academic programmes, extensive digitalisation initiatives, and increased recognition through national and international awards.

The visit featured a presentation on the university’s governance structure, administration, and strategic priorities by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Prof. Oseni Afisi. This was followed by an interactive session on key institutional initiatives, developmental priorities, and areas requiring strategic intervention, delivered by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Oluwatoyin Enikuomehin.

As part of the visit, the Chancellor, accompanied by the Vice-Chancellor, management team, provosts, deans, directors, and other senior officials, toured several strategic facilities across the Ojo campus.

Facilities inspected included the Innovation Hub (Awori House), Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu Library Complex, Aderemi Makanjuola Lecture Theatre, student hostels, and the Academic Resource Centre.

Oba Ogunsanwo, the first traditional ruler to be appointed Chancellor of Lagos State University, was accompanied by his wife, Olori Bolanle Ogunsanwo, and a delegation of prominent royal fathers during the visit.

The engagement underscored LASU’s ongoing efforts to strengthen institutional leadership, expand strategic partnerships, and enhance its standing within Nigeria’s higher education sector and beyond.