LASU VC Olatunji-Bello Bows Out After 5 Years, Highlights Major Achievements

LASU Vice-Chancellor Professor Olatunji-Bello has completed her five-year tenure, highlighting academic, infrastructural and institutional achievements.

The Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU), Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, has bowed out after completing her tenure, saying the university recorded significant academic, infrastructural and institutional growth during her five years in office.

Olatunji-Bello, the ninth substantive Vice-Chancellor and second female Vice-Chancellor of LASU, reflected on her tenure in a farewell message to the university community, describing the position as the greatest platform she had been given to serve and make an impact.

She recalled receiving the news of her appointment on September 16, 2021, before assuming office four days later with what she described as a clear vision for the institution.

“I remember with vivid clarity the morning of 16 September 2021, when I received the call informing me of my appointment as Vice-Chancellor. Four days later, I assumed office with a clear vision and the conviction that, working together, the LASU community would achieve great things,” she said.

According to Olatunji-Bello, the university witnessed changes across several areas during her administration, including programme accreditation, establishment of new faculties and schools, expansion of academic programmes, digitalisation of university systems, infrastructure development and improvement in the institution’s financial capacity.

She also highlighted achievements by LASU students and researchers, including successes in academics and sports, research grants, new institutional partnerships and increased international visibility.

Olatunji-Bello particularly pointed to LASU’s emergence for two consecutive years as the country’s most preferred university by admission seekers.

She attributed the achievements recorded during her administration to the collective efforts of members of the university community rather than individual leadership.

“These achievements did not happen because of one person. They happened because thousands of people believed that LASU could be better and were willing to contribute to making it so,” she said.

The outgoing Vice-Chancellor acknowledged that her tenure also experienced challenges, including disruptions, difficult decisions, disappointments and disagreements, but maintained that the university had emerged stronger.

“The journey was not without difficult moments. There were disruptions, disappointments, difficult decisions and difficult conversations. But those moments are also part of the story,” she said.

Olatunji-Bello added that she believed LASU was in a better position than it was when she assumed office five years ago.

She expressed appreciation to the Lagos State Government and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for their support during her tenure, while also thanking the university’s Governing Council, Senate, management, staff and student unions, alumni, development partners and other stakeholders.

Addressing members of the LASU community, she said the achievements recorded during her tenure belonged to everyone who contributed through their work, sacrifices and support.

“Every achievement recorded during these five years belongs, in one way or another, to you. You made it happen through your prayers, support, sacrifices, dedication and hard work,” she said.

Olatunji-Bello said she was leaving office satisfied that she had contributed her part towards strengthening the university but stressed that LASU’s development remained an ongoing responsibility.

“The work is not finished. The work of building LASU is a continuing responsibility. The baton simply passes from one set of hands to another,” she said.

She urged staff, students and other stakeholders to protect the gains recorded by the institution and continue working towards its development.

“I leave with confidence in the future of this great University and with the abiding belief that the best days of LASU are still ahead,” she added.

Olatunji-Bello, a Professor of Physiology, was appointed LASU’s ninth substantive Vice-Chancellor in September 2021, becoming the second woman to occupy the institution’s top administrative position.