LASU Commences 2026 Administrative Year with Inter-Faith Prayers; VC Reaffirms Commitment to Staff Welfare

Lagos State University commenced the 2026 work year with its annual Inter-Faith Prayer Programme on Monday, 5th January 2026, at the Buba Marwa Auditorium, Main Campus, Ojo. The auditorium was filled to capacity with staff and students who gathered to commit the new year into the hands of Almighty God.

The Muslim prayer session was led by Prof. Aminu, Head of the Muslim Community in LASU, while the Christian prayer was led by Prof. Ayo Ayodele, Chaplain of the LASU Chapel of Light.

Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, reflected on the significance of the annual prayer gathering, which was initiated by her administration in 2022. She emphasized that the programme was born out of a deep conviction that no human effort, however strategic or well-executed, can succeed without divine blessing.

"Over the past four years, we have gathered at the beginning of each year to commit the university, its leadership, its staff, and its students into the hands of the Almighty. And we have witnessed, year after year, the tangible impact of these prayers," Professor Olatunji-Bello stated.

Reflecting on 2025, the Vice-Chancellor expressed profound gratitude to God for a year of remarkable blessings and historic achievements. She noted that LASU became the most subscribed university in Nigeria in 2025, a milestone that reflects the confidence prospective students and their families have in the institution.

"We have achieved milestones that seemed impossible just a few years back. We have received recognitions that validate the hard work of every member of this community. For all of these, we give glory to God," she said.

The Vice-Chancellor expressed deep appreciation to members of staff for their dedication, hard work, resilience, and commitment to excellence, which she described as the driving force behind every achievement celebrated by the university.

"Your collective efforts have made LASU the most subscribed university in Nigeria. The reputation of the university continues to soar locally, nationally, regionally, and internationally. On behalf of the entire management, I say thank you, and well done," she remarked.

Professor Olatunji-Bello also reflected on the journey of the past four years, acknowledging that leadership is a collective enterprise. "Whatever successes this administration has achieved, we have achieved together. You believed in our vision. You worked tirelessly to implement policies and programmes. This administration's story is your story," she affirmed.

Looking ahead, the Vice-Chancellor described 2026 as a transition year and called for continued prayers for the administration to finish well and finish strong. She pledged to continue working tirelessly for the welfare of every member of the LASU community.

"Staff welfare has always been close to my heart, and it will remain so until my last day in office. I pledge to continue working for better conditions for all our staff," she assured.

In her prayer for the university community, Professor Olatunji-Bello invoked the Aaronic blessing: "The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn His face toward you and give you peace."

She prayed for abundant blessings, perfect health, divine favor, supernatural protection, and breakthroughs in unexpected places for all staff and students in 2026.

"May this year exceed our expectations as a university. May this institution continue to rise, continue to excel, and continue to fulfill its divine mandate," the Vice-Chancellor concluded.

The atmosphere throughout the programme was one of reverence, hope, and collective commitment to excellence as the LASU community entered the new year with faith and determination.