The Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU), Distinguished Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, has bid farewell to students, staff and other members of the university community as she concludes her tenure as the institution’s ninth substantive Vice-Chancellor.
Olatunji-Bello, who is also the second female Vice-Chancellor of the university, said her tenure had been one of the most defining periods of her career, describing her time at LASU as an opportunity to serve and contribute to the development of the institution.
In a farewell message to the LASU community, she recalled receiving news of her appointment on September 16, 2021, before assuming the office four days later.
She said she began her tenure with a clear vision and the conviction that the university community could achieve significant progress by working together.
According to her, LASU recorded notable developments during her five-year tenure, including the accreditation of academic programmes, establishment of new faculties and schools, expansion of academic offerings, digital transformation of university systems and infrastructural development.
She also highlighted improved financial capacity, students’ achievements in sports and academics, research grants secured by academics, new partnerships and increased international visibility for the university.
Olatunji-Bello further noted that LASU emerged as the most preferred university in Nigeria for two consecutive years.
The Vice-Chancellor, however, stressed that the achievements could not be attributed to one person, but were the result of the collective efforts of members of the university community and other stakeholders.
She acknowledged that her tenure was not without challenges, including disruptions, difficult decisions, disappointments and difficult conversations.
“Despite these challenges, I believe we can say with confidence that LASU is in a better place today than it was five years ago,” she said.
Olatunji-Bello expressed appreciation to the Lagos State Government, under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for its confidence and support throughout her tenure.
She also thanked the Governing Council, Senate, Management, staff, student unions, alumni, development partners, friends of the university and other stakeholders for their contributions to the institution’s development.
She urged members of the LASU community to continue protecting the gains recorded and contribute their best towards the university’s future.
“The work of building LASU is a continuing responsibility. The baton simply passes from one set of hands to another,” she said.
Olatunji-Bello said she was leaving with confidence in the future of the university and expressed the belief that LASU’s best days were still ahead.
She concluded her message by urging students and other members of the university community to continue making LASU proud.
“May LASU continue to rise. Long live Lagos State University. Long live Lagos State. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“We are LASU, We are Great!”
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