Don’t Rush Decisions — Olatunji-Bello Tells Incoming LASU VC, Prof Badejo

The outgoing Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU), Prof Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, has advised the incoming Vice-Chancellor, Prof Ayodeji Badejo, to take her time before making big decisions.

Olatunji-Bello gave the charge on Sunday evening in Lagos at an event held in her honour by the Centre for General Nigerian Studies, LASU. The event, themed “More Prayer, More Commitment and Finishing Strong”, was organised to mark the end of her five-year tenure, which ran from 2021 to 2026.

She said the office of a Vice-Chancellor is not a place for quick or emotional decisions. Every choice, she explained, should be weighed carefully because it will affect the university, the staff and the students.

“She will have what we call, in the Bible, long-suffering. It is called patience,” Olatunji-Bello said.

Patience, courage and commitment

Olatunji-Bello urged her successor to lead with wisdom, patience and commitment, and to be courageous when tough calls have to be made. She noted that a Vice-Chancellor will often face pressure from many sides, and that the best answer is usually the one that serves the institution rather than the loudest voice in the room.

Prof Badejo, a Professor of Guidance and Counselling, is expected to assume duty on September 20. Her appointment was approved by Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and announced by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso.

Badejo will become the third female Vice-Chancellor in LASU’s history, after Prof Jadesola Akande and Olatunji-Bello herself.

A look back at five years

Olatunji-Bello, a Professor of Physiology, resumed as LASU’s ninth substantive Vice-Chancellor in September 2021. Her single, non-renewable five-year term ends on September 19, 2026.

At her final convocation address in August, she said her administration recorded a 96 per cent first-year accreditation success rate, securing full accreditation for 31 out of 37 programmes presented in her first exercise. In 2023, 43 of 44 programmes presented were fully accredited, and in 2026, 17 new programmes received full accreditation from the National Universities Commission.

She also said the university’s internally generated revenue grew from about N3bn to N13bn during her tenure, describing LASU as the most subscribed university in Nigeria and the most digitally advanced among its peers.

At a valedictory Senate session held on August 27, the university’s Registrar, Emmanuel Fanu, said Olatunji-Bello presided over 55 statutory Senate meetings. The administration also promoted 127 academic staff to the rank of professor and positioned LASU as a TETFund Centre of Excellence.

Facilities and welfare

Olatunji-Bello said examination challenges during her time pushed the university to develop alternative arrangements and to conceive its 2,000-seat Computer Test Centre. She added that a 3,000-seat auditorium for LASU has been captured in the Tertiary Education Trust Fund budget.

She called on the university community to maintain the buildings and facilities already put in place. Her administration, she said, built toilets across the campuses to improve student welfare, especially for female students, and provided recreational facilities for staff.

Speaking earlier at the event, a former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof Adenike Boyo, said Olatunji-Bello’s tenure showed the value of prayer, commitment and perseverance.

Badejo takes over a university that has risen in national ranking and is widely rated among the best state-owned institutions in Nigeria. Expectations are high that she will keep the momentum on academics, infrastructure and campus stability.