LASU Vice-Chancellor Olatunji-Bello Bids University Farewell After Five-Year Tenure

Lagos State University Vice-Chancellor, Distinguished Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, has formally ended her tenure as the institution’s 9th substantive Vice-Chancellor and second female occupant of the position.

Olatunji-Bello announced her departure in a farewell message to the LASU community, reflecting on her five years in office and the developments recorded by the university during her tenure.

She recalled that she received news of her appointment on September 16, 2021, before assuming office four days later with a vision to work with the university community to achieve greater development.

“Even so, I could not have imagined the scale of transformation that LASU would experience over the next five years,” she said.

According to her, the university recorded several developments during her tenure, including programme accreditations, the establishment of new faculties and schools, expansion of academic programmes, digital transformation of its systems and infrastructural development.

She also highlighted increased financial capacity, students’ achievements in academics and sports, research grants, new partnerships and greater international visibility for the institution.

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Olatunji-Bello noted that LASU was also recognised as the most preferred university in the country for two consecutive years.

“These achievements did not happen because of one person. They happened because thousands of people believed that LASU could be better and were willing to contribute to making it so,” she said.

The outgoing Vice-Chancellor acknowledged that her administration faced difficult moments, including disruptions, disappointments, difficult decisions and conversations, but said such experiences were also part of the university’s journey.

“And 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 God, the Lagos State Government, the university’s Governing Council, Senate, management, staff and student unions, alumni, development partners and other stakeholders for their support throughout her tenure.

She also thanked members of the LASU community for their contributions to the university’s development.

“You taught me, challenged me, supported me and, at different moments, reminded me that leadership is ultimately about people,” she said.

As she leaves office, Olatunji-Bello said the responsibility of building the university remains a continuous one, with the leadership baton now passing to another set of hands.

“The baton simply passes from one set of hands to another,” she said.

She expressed confidence in LASU’s future and urged members of the university community to protect the gains recorded and continue contributing to the institution’s growth.

“I leave with confidence in the future of this great University and with the abiding belief that the best days of LASU are still ahead,” she said.

Olatunji-Bello concluded her farewell message by calling for continued commitment to the institution.

“May you continue to make LASU proud. May LASU continue to rise,” she said.