LASU Vice-Chancellor Congratulates Professor Odion Akhaine on "Hero of Democracy" National Honour

The Vice-Chancellor, Distinguished Professor Ibiyemi OLATUNJI-BELLO, mni, NPOM, on behalf of the Management, staff, students, and the entire Lagos State University community, warmly congratulates Professor Odion AKHAINE on his conferment of the prestigious Hero of Democracy Award by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, during the celebration of the June 12 Democracy Day.

Professor AKHAINE, a professor of Political Science at the Faculty of Social Sciences, Lagos State University, is one of Nigeria’s foremost pro-democracy activists and a frontline leader in the struggle against military dictatorship.

He served at various times as General Secretary of the Campaign for Democracy (CD), Joint Secretary and General Secretary of the United Action for Democracy (UAD), playing pivotal roles in the quest for democratic governance and the defence of civil liberties in Nigeria.In recognition of his unwavering commitment to democracy and human rights, Professor AKHAINE endured illegal incarceration and solitary confinement under the military regime of General Sani Abacha between 1995 and 1996.

His courage and sacrifice earned him the designation of Prisoner of Conscience by Amnesty International in 1995.Over the years, his contributions to the advancement of democracy, constitutionalism, and human rights have attracted national and international recognition, including nominations and awards for his outstanding service to the democratic cause.

He currently serves as the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Centre for Constitutionalism and Demilitarisation and is a member of the Governing Council and Boards of several reputable institutions and non-governmental organisations.

The Vice-Chancellor notes that the conferment of the Hero of Democracy Award is a fitting recognition of Professor AKHAINE’s enduring legacy, patriotism, resilience, and invaluable contributions to the enthronement and sustenance of democracy in Nigeria.She added that this national honour reflects the values of courage, sacrifice, integrity, and commitment to nation-building that Professor AKHAINE has consistently exemplified throughout his distinguished career.

The Lagos State University community celebrates this well-deserved recognition and wishes Professor AKHAINE continued good health, greater accomplishments, and many more years of impactful service to humanity and the nation.We are LASU, We are Great!