A MOMENTOUS CELEBRATION OF VISIONARY LEADERSHIP: NOTABLE PERSONALITIES GATHER AT LASU TO CELEBRATE OUTGOING 9TH SUBSTANTIVE VICE-CHANCELLOR, DISTINGUISHED PROFESSOR IBIYEMI OLATUNJI-BELLO

Thursday, 17th September 2026, was a momentous celebration of visionary leadership and institutional transformation at Lagos State University (LASU), as notable personalities from government, academia, traditional institutions and other spheres of society converged at the Buba Marwa Auditorium, LASU Main Campus, Ojo, to celebrate the outgoing Ninth Substantive Vice-Chancellor, Distinguished Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola OLATUNJI-BELLO, mni, NPOM, at a Valedictory Lecture and Book Launch.

The event marked the conclusion of Distinguished Professor OLATUNJI-BELLO’s five-year tenure as Vice-Chancellor and featured her Valedictory Lecture, titled “From Vision to Legacy: Leadership, Institutional Transformation and the Making of a Globally Competitive Lagos State University”. In the lecture, she reflected on her leadership journey, the transformation achieved during her administration and the collective efforts that contributed to the advancement of the University.

Speaking at the occasion, Distinguished Professor OLATUNJI-BELLO expressed profound appreciation to members of the University community and other stakeholders for their partnership and support in driving the vision of her administration.

While reflecting on the future of the institution, the outgoing Vice-Chancellor urged her successor, Professor Ayodeji Olawunmi BADEJO, to build on the existing foundations, improve and protect LASU’s academic integrity, embrace innovation and research, safeguard the reputation of the institution and strengthen scholarship opportunities.

She further stressed the importance of respecting institutional traditions while creating adequate space for innovation, research and continuous development, noting that sustaining LASU’s achievements would require a deliberate commitment to institutional values and progressive leadership.

A major highlight of the occasion was the launch of a book written in honour of the outgoing Vice-Chancellor by her Media Aide, Mr Oluwaseun GBANJA. Titled “FORTITUDE: An Insider’s Account of the Emergence of Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello as LASU’s Ninth Vice-Chancellor and the Events that Shaped Her Administration”, the book offers an insider’s account of her emergence as Vice-Chancellor and examines significant events and experiences that shaped her administration.

In his remarks, the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide SANWO-OLU, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Abimbola SALU-HUNDEYIN, acknowledged the achievements recorded under the OLATUNJI-BELLO administration, particularly in the areas of research, innovation and digital transformation.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Lagos State Government to supporting an enabling environment in which teaching, learning, research and academic development can continue to thrive.

Also speaking, the Wife of the Governor of Lagos State, Dr Claudiana Ibijoke SANWO-OLU, congratulated Distinguished Professor OLATUNJI-BELLO on the successful completion of her tenure, acknowledging the legacy of institutional repositioning associated with her administration.

She also commended the outgoing Vice-Chancellor for her inspirational influence, particularly among members of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), whom she encouraged to continue pursuing academic growth and personal development.

In separate goodwill messages, the Honourable Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Mr Tolani SULE, and the Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Education, Honourable Owolabi AJAYI, congratulated Professor OLATUNJI-BELLO for projecting LASU positively within Nigeria and on the global stage.

The Chairman of the occasion, Chief Aderemi MAKANJUOLA, OON, described Professor OLATUNJI-BELLO’s contribution to the development of LASU as immense, noting that her administration had contributed significantly to the transformation of the University into a globally competitive institution of higher learning.

He congratulated her on the successful and impactful completion of her tenure, while also congratulating the newly appointed Tenth Substantive Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ayodeji Olawunmi BADEJO.

Speaking on the book, its author, Mr Oluwaseun GBANJA, explained that FORTITUDE was written to promote institutional continuity and provide scholars, educators, university administrators and members of the general public with insights into the political, human and financial complexities involved in managing a public university.

He noted that the process of writing the book had broadened his understanding of leadership, stressing that good intentions do not always translate into desired outcomes. He therefore urged leaders to pay attention to both spoken and unspoken messages, remain attentive to their environment and exercise authority with responsibility.

Earlier, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics) and Chairman of the Organising Committee, Professor Oseni Taiwo AFISI, FSPSP, M.CloD, said the event provided an opportunity for the outgoing Vice-Chancellor to look back on her leadership journey, share the philosophy that informed major decisions taken during her tenure, reflect on challenges encountered and lessons learnt, and offer perspectives on the future of the institution and education generally.

The formal proceedings drew towards a close with a Vote of Thanks delivered by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, (Administration), Professor Oluwatoyin ENIKUOMEHIN, FAIMFIN, FAAAI.

Among the distinguished personalities present at the occasion were the Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and beloved spouse of the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Mr Tunji BELLO; the Sixth Chancellor of LASU and Alara of Ilara Kingdom, Epe, His Royal Majesty Oba Dr Olufolarin OGUNSANWO; the Honourable Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Mr Tolani SULE; and other dignitaries from government, academia, traditional institutions and various sectors of society.

The gathering ultimately served not only as a valedictory ceremony, but also as a fitting celebration of Professor OLATUNJI-BELLO’s five-year stewardship of Lagos State University. It brought together stakeholders to acknowledge her leadership journey, institutional contributions and the transition towards a new chapter in the history of the University.

The entire LASU community and its stakeholders wish the amiable outgoing Vice-Chancellor and “Senior Abiyamo of Nigeria (SAN)” many more beautiful, fulfilling and successful years ahead.

We are LASU, We are Great!