Sanwo-Olu approves Olatunji-Bello as LASU Vice-Chancellor

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has approved the appointment of Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello as the 9th substantive Vice-Chancellor of the Lagos State University (LASU).

The tenure of the 8th substantive Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Olanrewaju Fagbohun, lapsed on January 11.

Commissioner for Information and Strategy Gbenga Omotoso, in a statement yesterday, said Prof. Olatunji-Bello was appointed following the recommendation by the Joint Committee of Council and Senate of LASU.

He said the appointment was in accordance with the LASU Law, Cap 169 Vol 7, Laws of Lagos State.

The substantive VC assumed duty as the First Professor of Physiology in LASU College of Medicine on Oct. 2, 2007.

“She rose through the ranks from Assistant Lecturer (1988 to 1991) to Associate Professor in 2005 at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Idi-Araba.

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“In 2012, Olatunji-Bello attended  Course 34 of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, the highest policy advisory body of the Federal Government, as a nominee of the National Universities Commission.

“A member of the National Institute (mni), Mrs Olatunji-Bello holds a Fellowship Award of the Physiological Society of Nigeria and was also appointed a Fellow of the Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Mitigation in the year 2019,” Omotoso said.

The governor added that Olatunji-Bello and two other candidates, Prof. Omotayo Awofolu and Prof. Senapon Bakare, were recommended for the position in order of ranking.

The process of selecting a substantive VC for LASU began with advertisements for the vacant position in three national dailies on July 30 and August 13.

The management of LASU, in a statement by the Co-ordinator, Centre for Press and Public Relations, Mr. Ademola Adekoya, wished her a successful tenure in office.

The 57-year-old Olatunji-Bello is the second woman to head the 36-year-old university. The first was Prof. Jadesola Akande, who was the second VC of the institution from 1989 to 1993.

Olatunji-Bello, a Professor of Physiology, acted as the VC of the university for 10 months (January-October) in 2011.

Prior to her latest appointment, Olatunji-Bello headed the university’s Directorate of Advancement.

Commending the appointment, Senior Technical Officer (Media) to the President Louis Odion, said:

“Watching her deliver her seminal Inaugural Lecture to a packed auditorium at LASU back in 2009 (12 years ago!), I knew instinctively she would go places. Today, my hunch has been proved right. Finally, enter the ninth Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU), Professor  Yemi Olatunji-Bello.

“Indeed, anyone who has followed her career trajectory in the academia in the last three decades will attest to her impeccable originality as a scholar with significant contributions to the body of knowledge. A distinction further garnished by an exemplary character as a tested, first-class administrator and a God-fearing woman.

“I have no doubt this unique convergence of rich experiences and sterling qualities will enable her take LASU to greater heights in times ahead. Doubtless, she has come a long way.”