LASUED Vice-Chancellor Donates Handball Spectators’ Gallery to LASU

The Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), Professor Bidemi Bilkis Lafiaji-Okuneye, has donated a Handball Spectators’ Gallery to Lagos State University (LASU), reinforcing her commitment to sports development and institutional advancement.

The facility was officially commissioned at LASU on June 18, 2026, providing a dedicated space for spectators to comfortably watch handball matches at the university's sports complex.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Professor Lafiaji-Okuneye, an alumna of LASU's Department of Physical and Health Education, described the occasion as a celebration of gratitude and a reaffirmation of her enduring connection with her alma mater.

She said the donation represented a token of appreciation to the institution that shaped her academic and professional journey, stressing that she has always regarded LASU as home despite her current leadership role at LASUED.

Reflecting on her appointment as the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of LASUED, she noted that while she was entrusted with the responsibility of leading the growth and development of a new university, she never forgot the institution where her academic foundation was laid.

According to her, universities thrive when alumni, benefactors, corporate organisations, and other stakeholders embrace a culture of giving back.

She emphasized that philanthropy in education goes beyond charitable acts and serves as a practical expression of gratitude and commitment to institutional development.

Professor Lafiaji-Okuneye highlighted the importance of sports in university education, describing it as a platform for promoting physical fitness, discipline, teamwork, resilience, leadership, healthy competition, and social cohesion.

She expressed hope that the spectators’ gallery would enhance sporting activities on campus, improve the experience of spectators, encourage wider participation in sports, and contribute to the development of talents capable of bringing honour to LASU, Lagos State, and Nigeria.

The LASUED Vice-Chancellor also challenged alumni of LASU to support the institution through mentorship programmes, scholarships, infrastructure projects, endowments, advocacy initiatives, and other forms of service.

She noted that the greatness of an institution is measured not only by what it gives to its graduates but also by what graduates contribute to its continued growth.

Professor Lafiaji-Okuneye said the facility was intended to serve future generations, strengthen the university's sporting heritage, and inspire a culture of philanthropy among alumni and stakeholders.

In her remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of LASU, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, described the donation as a significant contribution to sports development and student empowerment.

She stated that the commissioning ceremony represented more than the unveiling of a physical structure, noting that it symbolised vision, legacy, and the enduring relationship between an institution and its graduates.

According to her, the facility would enhance the sporting experience on campus, encourage student-athlete participation, and strengthen healthy competition within the university community.

Professor Olatunji-Bello praised Professor Lafiaji-Okuneye as a distinguished alumna whose generosity would have a lasting impact on future generations of students and athletes.

She described the donation as a demonstration of alumni loyalty expressed through meaningful action and noted that the gallery would become a centre of sporting excellence, unity, and community engagement.

The LASU Vice-Chancellor assured the donor that the facility would be properly maintained and utilized for its intended purpose, while expressing confidence that it would continue to benefit students for many years.

Principal officers of LASUED present at the event included Professor Daodu Morufu Adedayo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic); Professor Shittu Morufudeen Adeniyi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration); Registrar, Mr. Akinfemiwa Opeoluwa Akinlabi; Bursar, Mr. Ganiu Ajose Adeniyi; and University Librarian, Professor Imam Abayomi.

Other attendees included Mr. Nojeem Isiaka A., Director of Internal Audit; Professor Melekeowie Premebowie Dele, TETFund Desk Officer; Mrs. Sami Omolara, Deputy Registrar in the Vice-Chancellor’s Office; Ms. Yetunde Balogun, Deputy Director of Sports; Mr. Arubiewe Samson Adin; Mrs. Edalere Balogun; and several other university officials and guests.