LASU VC Olatunji-Bello Ends Five-Year Tenure, Cites Transformation Of University

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. In a farewell message to the LASU community, she reflected on her five years in office, recalling that she received news of her appointment on September 16, 2021, and assumed office four days later.

Olatunji-Bello said the university recorded significant developments during her tenure, including programme accreditations, new faculties and schools, expanded academic programmes, digital transformation, infrastructural development, increased financial capacity, students’ academic and sports achievements, new research grants and partnerships, and greater international visibility. She noted that LASU was recognised as the most preferred university in the country for two consecutive years, stressing that the achievements were the result of collective effort rather than one person’s work.

She acknowledged that her administration faced difficult moments, including disruptions and tough decisions, but said LASU was “in a better place today than it was five years ago.” Olatunji-Bello thanked the Lagos State Government, the university’s Governing Council, Senate, management, staff and student unions, alumni and other stakeholders for their support, describing leadership as ultimately about people.

As she hands over the baton, Olatunji-Bello expressed confidence in LASU’s future, urging the university community to protect the gains recorded and continue contributing to its growth, saying she believes “the best days of LASU are still ahead.”