Go Explore the World – LASU VC tells Graduands

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello has charge graduands of the university to go and explore the world and bring glory to themselves, their families, the country and their alma mater.

The VC in her convocation speech on Wednesday March 23, 2022 , said the graduands are ambassadors of this great university and must ensure they conduct themselves in such ways and manners that will always bring them glory.

She said, “My admonition to our dear graduands as I wish you the best in life is that, as ambassadors of this great university, you must ensure that you conduct yourselves in such ways and manners that will always bring glory to you, your family and your alma mater. You have achieved what will make you succeed in life, go and explore the world, do not limit your capabilities, be focused on whatever you do and involve God in your endeavours. Always remember that we are LASU and we are Great”.

She stated further that out of the Four Thousand Nine Hundred and Ninety-Four first (4,994) degree students that are graduating today, One Hundred and Twelve (112) graduated with First Class degree with the best graduating student, Benjamin Damilare Olowu, graduating with a record breaking CGPA of 4.97.

The VC, who also took the opportunity to provide the university’s scorecard said, “When I assumed duty as the 9th substantive Vice Chancellor of this great citadel, about six months ago, I reeled out six strategic goals that will drive our activities and administration, these are:

(i) Ensuring that academic and professional programmes are and remain accredited by relevant bodies; (ii) Making the Lagos State University a research, innovation and development hub for Lagos State and National development;

(iii) Ensuring that infrastructural facilities are improved and readily available for seamless performance of administrative and academic duties;

(iv) Improving Internal Generation of Revenue with the aim of achieving financial sustainability of the University;

(v) Promoting the welfare of all staff and students in the University and

(vi) Promoting participation in Sports and Recreational Activities.

These strategic goals have been guiding our activities in the University and to the glory of God, we have been able to achieve the following and more within the last six months.

(i) Successful completion of the Year 2020/2021 Academic Session ;

(ii) Successful matriculation of newly admitted students for 2020/2021 Academic Session ;

(iii) Successful admission and matriculation of 2021 Modular Year Sandwich students ;

(iv) Two Research Teams in the University won TETFund 2020 National Research Fund (NRF) Grant to the tune of Sixty-six Million Eight Hundred Thousand Naira (N66,800,000.00);

(v) Three senior academic members of the University won a cumulative research grant in the sum of Nine Million Naira awarded by the Lagos State Science and Research Innovation Council (LASRIC);

(vi) Two students of the Department of Computer Science emerged winner and runner up of the 2021 Don Etiebet Innovative Prize Award organised by the Nigeria Computer Society;

(vii) Two students of the Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM) Akingbola Adewunmi and Oluwalalanumi Dawodu were adjudged winners of the Diana Award, established in memory of Princess of Wales, Diana to honour young persons aged 9-25 years for their social action or humanitarian work;

(viii) Establishment of a Centre for Response and Prevention of Gender-Based Violence.

(ix) Signing of Memoranda of Understanding for collaboration with different organisations on different aspects of the University development.

(x) Conducted four Inaugural Lectures till date (81st -84th) to advance research in the area of specialization of the Inaugural Lecturers;

(xi) Conducted and hosted the Lagos State University Alumni Lecture delivered by Mr Governor, Mr. Babajide SANWO-OLU on Thursday 2nd December 2021, to further cement town and gown relationship.

(xii) Hosted the 2022 Lagos State University College of Medicine Founders’ Day Lecture.

(xiii) Payment of all outstanding monthly check-off dues to Cooperative Societies in the University, to enable them operate optimally;

(xiv) Obtained approval for Y2022 budget with increased subvention;

(xv) Activation of the Lagos State Health Scheme for staff of the University;

(xvi) Resuscitation of the School of Part-Time Studies;

(xvii) Obtained approval for the creation of five (5) Directorates to ease administration in the service areas in the University;

(xviii) Consistent payment of Staff salaries on or before 23rd of every month;

(xix) Commencement of the process of rehabilitation of Epe Campus and stoppage of land encroachment on the campus;

(xx) Establishment of three new faculties and one School namely:

• 1. Faculty of Allied Health Sciences;
• 2. Faculty of Pharmacy;
• 3. Faculty of Environmental Sciences;
• 4. School of Library and Archieval Studies.

Time would not allow me to enumerate other achievements but I must emphasize that with the support we are getting from the Lagos State Government, our Chancellor, the commitment of the distinguished members of the University Governing Council and the resilience of members of staff and students of our great University, we will deliver on our mandate to the delight of our proprietor, founding fathers and all stakeholders”.

The VC therefore appreciated the Lagos State Government and Visitor to the University, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his exco, particularly the Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Hon. Tokunbo WAHAB for their immense support and contributions towards the growth and development of the university.