The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday commended the outgoing Vice-Chancellor of the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, Distinguished Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, for the notable achievements recorded during her five-year tenure at the helm of the institution.
Professor Olatunji-Bello, a professor of physiology, assumed office in September 2021 and is scheduled to complete her single five-year tenure on Saturday, September 19.
The Governor eulogised her virtues during her valedictory lecture, titled “From Vision to Legacy: Leadership, Institutional Transformation and the Making of a Globally Competitive Lagos State University.”
The event also featured the public presentation of a book written in her honour by her Media Aide, Mr. Seun Gbanja.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, the Governor expressed delight over Professor Olatunji-Bello’s performance, stating that he was deeply proud of her milestones.
Describing Professor Olatunji-Bello as a distinguished scholar and an astute administrator, Sanwo-Olu stated, “When she assumed office in September 2021, she took responsibility for an institution with a proud history and enormous potential. Five years later, she has shown that we continue to make significant progress in academic development, innovation, research, digital transformation, and infrastructure.
“This year, LASU emerged as the most sought-after and applied-for university among Nigerian institutions.
“Beyond this achievement, what matters most is the institution and its people. For us in Lagos State, investing in LASU means investing in our people, the future of our children, the community, and the upward development of our economy.”
Sanwo-Olu added that LASU products have consistently excelled as professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers, teachers, and leaders who will drive Nigeria’s workforce in the years ahead.
“I thank you for your service to LASU, for your leadership, and for the years you have devoted to the growth and development of this institution. As you begin the next chapter of your journey, I wish you continued opportunities, further growth, and greater accomplishments,” Sanwo-Olu said.
Many dignitaries at the event—including the Governor’s wife, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; LASU Chancellor, Oba Kayode Ogunsanwo; Lagos State Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Mr. Sule Tolani; and the Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Aderemi Makanjuola—equally lauded the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, noting that she successfully executed the vision she pitched when vying for the position five years ago.
They also congratulated her husband, Mr. Tunji Bello, the Executive Vice-Chairman of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), who was in attendance to support her.
Earlier in her valedictory lecture, Professor Olatunji-Bello expressed profound gratitude to God, Governor Sanwo-Olu, the University Senate, staff, students, and her family for their unwavering cooperation and support.
She noted that the success story of her five-year tenure was a product of collective effort.
Professor Olatunji-Bello pointed out that her clear vision upon assuming office in 2021 was to boost LASU’s global visibility, ensuring the university did not lag behind in its tripartite mandate of teaching, research, and community service.
“We made LASU the most subscribed university in Nigeria according to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), the best state university in West Africa, and completed about 60 notable projects. We also raised our Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from around ₦3 billion to ₦13 billion, all within the space of five years,” she stated.
She added, “Even though my administration was able to achieve these, my prayer is to see my successor, Professor Olawunmi Badejo, do even better and leave LASU better than she met it.”
A major highlight of the event was the public presentation of the book written in her honour, titled “Fortitude: An Insider Account of the Emergence of Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello as LASU’s Ninth Vice-Chancellor, and the Events that Shaped Her Administration.”
The author, Mr. Oluwaseun Gbanja, revealed that the book, which captures the entirety of the outgoing Vice-Chancellor’s stewardship, took him three years to document.
He wished her well in her future endeavours.
