Lagos State University (LASU) will host the 11th International Conference of Community Psychology (ICCP 2026) from August 28 to September 7, 2026
The Vice Chancellor of LASU and Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, disclosed this on Monday during a press conference on campus.
She said the conference, with the theme: “Gathering in the Motherland: Celebrating Ways of the Waters and Reconnecting to the Source,” seeks to reposition Africa as a central contributor to global psychological knowledge by reconnecting modern practice with indigenous wisdom and community-centred solutions.
She explained that the conference would be held in three phases, comprising pre-conference activities from August 28 to 30, the main conference from September 1 to 4, and post-conference activities from September 5 to 7, 2026.
Each phase, she noted, is designed to promote academic engagement, community interaction, professional networking, and cultural exchange.
Prof. Olatunji-Bello described community psychology as an action-oriented discipline that focuses on improving wellbeing at community and societal levels, stressing that the conference would address issues such as social injustice, mental health challenges, empowerment, and systemic inequality through collaborative, community-based approaches.
She said Lagos State was chosen as host due to its status as Nigeria’s commercial and intellectual hub, adding that hosting the conference at LASU further affirms the university’s role as a centre for scholarship, community engagement, and international academic exchange.
The VC noted that LASU is hosting the conference in partnership with the Nigerian Psychological Association and the Pan-African Psychology Union, with endorsements and support already received from several regional and international professional bodies, including the American Psychological Association, Psychological Society of South Africa, and universities across Africa and North America.
Addressing concerns about safety, she assured prospective international delegates that Lagos State is safe, secure, and fully prepared to host the global event, noting that the organising committee is working closely with relevant government agencies and security institutions to ensure effective safety, logistics, and immigration arrangements.
She emphasised that ICCP 2026 will prioritise inclusion and accessibility, with plans in place to accommodate persons with disabilities and participants from diverse backgrounds, while also leveraging tourism, hospitality, and economic opportunities for the state.
Prof. Olatunji-Bello called on governments, corporate organisations, philanthropists, and the media to partner with LASU in hosting the conference, describing ICCP 2026 as more than an academic gathering but a platform for global collaboration, innovation, and community impact.
She reaffirmed LASU’s readiness to welcome the world, stating that the conference reflects a shared commitment to academic excellence, inclusion, and sustainable community development.
The newly appointed member of the Lagos State University (LASU) Governing Board, Mr Bode Makanjuola, said he is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, servant leadership, and impactful governance.
The council will be headed by Babatunde Ogala, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN); while Oluseyi Badmus, Bode Makanjuola, Mojisola Tolagbe Taiwo, Shaffudeen Amuwo, and Rafiu Adisa Ebiti will serve as members. Others are Kofo Durosimi Etti, Farouk Gumel, Adenike Akanbi, Biodun Hundeyin and Remi Desalu.
Makanjuola, the Chief Executive Officer of Caverton Offshore Support Group, said he is honoured to be appointed as a member of the council.
“This appointment represents a huge honour and privilege to serve an institution that plays a pivotal role in shaping the futures of the students, faculty, and the broader community,” he said.
He thanked Governor Sanwo-Olu for the trust and confidence placed in him just as he looks forward to contributing to LASU’s continued pursuit of academic excellence, innovation, and inclusive growth.
He hailed the leadership and staff of LASU for their warm reception and unwavering dedication to the university’s mission.
He also praised his family, mentors, friends and colleagues for their encouragement and support.
In a country with hundreds of universities, Lagos State University (LASU) stands out for promoting modest dressing among its students.
It prohibits revealing or seductive clothing, tattoos, and other inappropriate accessories. Violating these rules can result in denial of access to classrooms or exam halls. This ensures that students maintain their best appearance, as they risk being barred from classes or exams if they do not comply.
Some departments have specific dress codes, giving students a unique appearance and making them easily identifiable. For example, Law students wear a white shirt with a black skirt for females and black trousers for males. This distinctive attire is a tradition that every law student follows.
LASU doesn’t allow patterns or designs on hair and also coloured hair. I have personally experienced it,a student had a haircut, tinted it gold, and also drew a design on it, and the lecturer asked her to leave the class, connoting that it’s not just rules but also backed with action.
Crazy jeans are not allowed on campus because the university upholds a dress code that promotes decency and discipline among students. Such clothing is considered inappropriate for an academic setting and inconsistent with the image of a responsible student community.
Multiple body piercings are prohibited as they are seen as unfit for an academic environment. The rule, aimed at maintaining discipline and a distraction-free atmosphere, views excessive piercings as unkempt and unprofessional.
As someone with two ear piercings, I always remove my earrings before entering the school premises to avoid being denied access at the gate, a clear reflection of how strictly the regulation is enforced.
The use of face caps on campus is also prohibited because some male students reportedly wear them to conceal braided hairstyles, an act that violates the university’s dress code.
Just as you wouldn’t wear slippers to an office and expect to be taken seriously, you can’t wear them to class and expect to be treated like a responsible student. Slippers are not allowed in classrooms, as footwear is also part of LASU’s dress code.
LASU follows the principle of “dress how you want to be addressed,” emphasising modesty. Modest clothing promotes discipline, ensures comfort, and reduces the risk of harassment, keeping the school a safe place for learning rather than for exposing the body.
The idea that revealing one’s body could give an advantage or attract special attention is completely rejected, as there is no room for that. Covering the body should be a tradition, especially in a place dedicated to learning.
The school encourages blending modesty with style, showing that it is possible to dress decently while still looking your best.
Akanbi wrote in from Lagos State University (LASU)
Lagos State University (LASU) has joined the list of beneficiaries under OPay’s N1.2 billion 10-Year Scholarship Programme.
It followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) held at the institution.
The partnership, which will see 20 LASU students receive fully funded scholarships annually, forms part of OPay’s long-term Empowering Futures initiative.
It is a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) agenda aimed at supporting academically excellent but financially constrained students across Nigerian tertiary institutions.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, commended OPay for its forward-thinking commitment to education and youth development.
“Today we gather to celebrate a remarkable gesture of goodwill and corporate social responsibility from OPay Digital Services Limited,” she said.
“This generous act underscores OPay’s commitment to fostering academic excellence and supporting the dreams of young Nigerians.
“The scholarship will undoubtedly alleviate financial burdens and motivate our students to strive for excellence.”
She added that the partnership symbolises a shared vision between OPay and LASU to empower young Nigerians through education and innovation.
“As Nigeria’s leading educational institution, Lagos State University remains committed to providing quality education and holistic development opportunities for our students.
“We appreciate OPay’s trust in our institution and look forward to a fruitful collaboration,” she concluded.
Registrar of the University, Mr. Emmanuel Abiodun Fanu, appreciated OPay for extending the scholarship to LASU students, noting that the initiative would have a lasting impact on their lives and academic journeys.
“We thank OPay for this scholarship opportunity. You may not immediately know the impact this gesture will have, but it will transform lives and motivate these students to become valuable contributors to society,” he stated.
OPay Chief Operating Officer, Elizabeth Wang, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to empowering the next generation through sustainable investments in education.
“Since our establishment in Nigeria in 2018, our mission has been to make financial services more inclusive through technology.
“Beyond this, we believe education is the foundation of every society — and students represent the future,” she explained.
“That’s why OPay is committed to sponsoring 20 students of this university every year for the next 10 years to help them pursue their dreams more easily.”
Ms. Wang added that OPay plans to open Cyberlabs and graduate employment opportunities for students within its growing workforce of over 5,000 employees, further deepening its investment in youth development.
The N1.2B OPay 10-Year Scholarship Programme reflects the company’s long-term vision to nurture young talent, drive educational advancement, and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s socio-economic development through consistent CSR efforts.
OPay was established in 2018 as a leading financial institution in Nigeria with the mission to make financial services more inclusive through technology.
The company offers a wide range of payment services, including money transfer, bill payment, card service, airtime and data purchase, and merchant payments, among others. Renowned for its fast and reliable network and strong security features that protect customers’ funds, OPay is licensed by the CBN and insured by the NDIC with the same insurance coverage as commercial banks.
To promote malaria awareness and empower students as health advocates, a pharmaceutical firm, Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited, has launched a nationwide campaign on a health initiative.
The company unveiled the programme, known as the Geneith Health Competition (GHC), at the 8th Annual BAMSA Symposium of Lagos State University (LASU).
Leading the activation, Judith Ngozi Udeh, a pharmacist and Principal Manager, Marketing at Geneith and Co-Initiator of the competition, described it as an academic platform designed to reward excellence, stimulate innovation, and mobilise youths in the fight against malaria.
Udeh, who was joined by other pharmacists Abimbola Bowoto, Assistant General Manager (Sales & Marketing), James Ochuogu, and Somto Chimbiko, both Brand Managers, told the gathering of over 1,000 students that the competition would transform participants into health ambassadors.
“This competition is more than rewarding — it’s empowering. The focus on malaria education positions students not just as learners but as leaders in health advocacy.
By educating students, we transform them into health ambassadors who spread awareness across homes, schools, and communities,” she said.
The LASU activation, held in partnership with CEOAFRICA, also featured a medical outreach that provided free health screenings, personalised wellness counselling, and on-site registration using PINs from Coatal Forte Softgel.
Head of the Department of Business Administration, Prof. N.S. Alaka praised the initiative, saying it offers students opportunities to make a meaningful impact in their communities while building skills that could guarantee financial success before graduation.
The organisers noted that beyond recognising talent, the competition will contribute to Nigeria’s malaria eradication drive by encouraging research, peer-to-peer education, and innovative solutions from undergraduates.
They added that it provides a bridge between classroom learning and real-life health advocacy, ensuring that future leaders combine academic excellence with social responsibility.
Awards of Recognition were presented to Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited, CEOAFRICA, and Pharm. Udeh for their contributions to healthcare innovation, impactful journalism, and youth empowerment.
With the LASU launch, Geneith said the competition is expected to expand across tertiary institutions nationwide, turning students into champions of public health through academic excellence and advocacy.
On Wednesday, this week, friends, associates, colleagues, government officials including the governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Minister of Education, Dr Olatunji Alausa and critical stakeholders in the education industry gathered at the Epe Campus of the Lagos State University (LASU), on the invitation of respected journalist, editor, columnist, lawyer, environmentalist, politician and public administrator, Mr Olatunji Bello. The occasion was the formal unveiling of a spectacular new physical structure donated to the institution by the Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
The 550-seat sprawling building is an architectural masterpiece. It once existed only in the thought and imagination of the man fondly called TB by large numbers of his mentors, mentees and admirers. Thought translated into action, mutated into vision and is today a phenomenal material actuality, adding value to LASU and by extension Nigeria’s beleaguered educational landscape. In his speech on the occasion, TB traced the genesis and trajectory from idea to concreteness of the project.
In his words, “At my 50th birthday in 2011, I had committed to instituting an annual prize in five disciplines, namely, Law, Mass Communications, Social Sciences, Engineering and Medicine. I was very intentional about the criteria to qualify. Academic brilliance was one. Two, coming from a poor background. And three, the beneficiary must be an indigene of our dear state of Lagos. The whole idea is targeting those brilliant minds at the risk of dropping out of academic pursuits on account of poverty. To the glory of God Almighty, we have been able to sustain that scholarship programme to date.”
Fast forward a decade later as TB’s narrative continues, “So, as my 60th birthday approached in 2021, the concern was how I could do more. For me, the idea of throwing a big party to mark the occasion was completely off the table. My darling wife, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, the very able Madam Vice-Chancellor of this great university, is the one who initially mooted the idea of building something for LASU to mark my 60th birthday. She was not yet the Vice Chancellor then. I never gave much thought to her suggestion immediately until a few days later. Eventually, after much reflection, l agreed it has to be an auditorium, truly befitting and fit for purpose”.
Although the architect, Mr Kunle Ayinla, came up with an impressive building plan, the projected cost, TB found staggering. Yet, he remained undaunted, ploughing on with determination and fortitude. Did not the Lord Jesus say that he who puts his hand on the plough and looks back is not worthy of the Kingdom of God? He put his fertile mind to work. According to him, “After days of wrestling with the architect’s budget in my head, it suddenly occurred to me I could ask those going to buy me gifts for the 60th birthday to monetise such and hand me the cash to do something really dear to my heart. It worked. A very wealthy friend and well-known businessman had wanted to surprise me with a brand new Toyota Land Cruiser Jeep. I appealed to him to convert it to cash. With donations from other able friends and well-wishers, we got started in 2021”.
It was a tortuous journey filled with unanticipated challenges such as the drastic fall of the Naira’s value and the attendant inflationary spirals of 2023 and 2024, but TB’s trust in the faithfulness of God to facilitate the completion of the dream never wavered. In the process, he had to sell his property at Magodo Estate in Lagos to keep the project going. Thus, Mr Olabode Opseitan writes, “It is not the size of the gift that stuns – it is the source. By every reasonable measure – whether by asset declarations, Forbes rankings, or real estate holdings – Tunji Bello is not among Nigeria’s wealthiest citizens. Yet, he has done what perhaps fewer than 10 Nigerians have ever done: build a legacy structure for a public university – not with surplus, but with scarcity…What emerged is not just an auditorium – it is a monument to moral courage, a structure built not on concrete alone, but on conviction”.
TB’s life has been built on the foundation of compassion, kindness, generosity, selflessness and a commitment to justice and the pursuit of public purpose. Myriads of those he has touched within and beyond the journalism profession over the years readily testify to his all too many acts of self-sacrificial giving, mostly getting nothing in return but gratitude and prayers.
For instance, in the book, ‘In Pursuit of the Public Purpose’, a collection of reminiscences, memories and reflections onTB’s life, published to commemorate his 60th birthday in 2021, a journalist and former Chairman of the Concord Chapter of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogbeni Goke Odeyinka wrote, “I remember also how he assisted his first PA to study for his Master’s degree in Law in England. I know because the man involved happens to be my in-law.
Incidentally, TB’s gesture of altruistic philanthropy at LASU is coming at a time when the world is entering a new phase of chronic individualistic selfishness and self-centeredness. Seek ye first the kingdom of your individual greed and personal egotism, and all other things shall be added unto you, seems to be the new human credo, especially with the advent of President Donald Trump and his ‘Make America Great Again’ mantra. Consequently, America has turned inward particularly during his ongoing second term, terminating its financial contributions to the World Health Organization (WHO), scrapping the USAID, turning its back on the gripping poverty and immiseration that grips much of humanity despite the world’s wealthiest and most powerful country’s capacity to do much good and help fashion a fairer, more equitable, just and compassionate world.
This seems a far cry from the spectacular manifestation of amazing generosity of the spirit and overflow of the milk of human kindness exhibited by some of the world’s richest persons in the early years of this century. In his essay on different dimensions of this revolution in altruism, titled ‘What Should a Billionaire Give – and What Should You?’, Peter Singer writes, “In the same world in which more than a billion people live at a level of affluence never previously known, roughly a billion other people struggle to survive on the purchasing power equivalent of less than one US dollar per day”. Writing in 2007, Singer noted that most of the world’s poorest people were undernourished, lacked access to basic health services, including safe drinking water and could not send their children to school, with the result that at least 10 million children died yearly, according to statistics by UNICEF.
Responding to this dismal and desperate situation, Singer states that “Last June, the investor, Warren Buffett, took a significant step toward reducing these deaths when he pledged $31 billion to the Gates Foundation and another $6 billion to other charitable foundations. Buffett’s pledge, set alongside the nearly $30 billion given by Bill and Melinda Gates to their foundation, has made it clear that the first decade of the twenty-first century is a new “golden age of philanthropy”. On an inflation-adjusted basis, Buffet has pledged to give more than double the lifetime total given away by two of the philanthropic giants of the past, Andrew Carnegie and John D. Rockefeller, put together. Bill and Melinda Gates’ gifts are not far behind.”
What is intriguing is that many of the world’s billionaire philanthropists are atheists or agnostics, not excluding Bill Gates and Buffet. TB is a Muslim married to a Christian and pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). Compassionate kindness is thus not limited to religious inclination or orientation. In their book, ‘Greed is Dead-Politics after Individualism’, published in 2020, two eminent economists from the United Kingdom, Paul Collier and John Kay, contend that the world, despite Trump, is moving from an essentially narcissistic individualism to a return to a more communal, cooperative ethos without which human survival in the long run cannot be guaranteed. This is because “humans are first and foremost social animals and our successes always depend on cooperation”.
TB has shown the light for many more privileged persons to find the way to compassionate giving for the communal good. There are all too few affluent Nigerians, such as Aliko Dangote, Femi Otedola, Afe Babalola, Wole Olanipekun, and Tony Elumelu, among others, following this path relative to the number of Nigerians of considerable means. I am told that Anambra State, for instance, has the largest collection of billionaires in the country. How has that benefited their state? TB announced to the audience that, courtesy of another friend, Mr Biodun Omoniyi, Managing Director of VDT Communications, there will be free WiFi at the auditorium to enhance the learning experience of students. Moreover, the maintenance of the auditorium will be handled by another private management company for one year.
Tracing his orientation to philanthropy and public service to the examples of his late father, Alhaji Azeez Olatunji Bello, his late boss and mentor, MKO Abiola and President Bola Tinubu, TB stressed that “this auditorium is my own token of appreciation to God Almighty for his grace and to my dear native Lagos State for the great opportunities given me. First, I have also been one of the beneficiaries of the Lagos State Government’s scholarship award as an undergraduate at the University of Ibadan in the early 1980s. And later the privilege to serve in public office in various capacities”. TB has obviously never forgotten that to whom much is given, much is expected. All too many of us disdain this truism all too often to the detriment of the collective good.
In a demonstration of commitment to academic development, the Lagos State University Economics Alumni Class of 2000 (LASUECO_2000) has donated two Public Address systems (PAS) to the Department of Economics at the University.
The donation is aimed at enhancing lecture delivery and student engagement, especially in large classrooms.
The PA systems were officially presented to the department at the Faculty of Social Sciences, at a brief ceremony presided over by the Head of Department, Prof. Fatai Ogunlana. Other senior academic staff members in attendance included Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof. Olufemi Lawal; Prof. Kolawole Bashir, Dr. Kehinde Atoyebi, and Dr. (Mrs.) Abari.
Representing the LASUECO_2000 Alumni executive committee were the Vice President, Mrs. Winifred Nnoduo; and Secretary, Mr. Busayo Ajakaiye, both of whom emphasised the significance of giving back to the institution that shaped their professional journeys.
Nnoduo said: “This donation is a collective expression of our gratitude for the strong academic foundation LASU provided us. We are committed to supporting current students as they strive for academic and personal excellence.”
Ajakaiye added: “Celebrating 25 years since our graduation is a powerful milestone and reminder of our roots. We are inspired more than ever to make meaningful impact that directly improves the learning environment of current LASUites, however small. Supporting today’s students is an investment in tomorrow’s leaders.”
Receiving the donation, Ogunlana expressed the department’s appreciation: “We are truly grateful for this thoughtful and impactful contribution. The PAS systems will significantly improve lecture delivery, especially in large lecture halls, and support a more engaging learning experience. The alumni’s scholarship pledge further reflects their lasting dedication to supporting academic excellence.”
Other members of the academic community at the occasion also commended the alumni group for their thoughtful gesture to the improvement of students learning experience in the department.
Lagos State University (LASU) Vice Chancellor Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello has stated that her administration will not be complacent despite its achievements so far. With a year left in office, she said the institution is poised for more feats under her leadership. She spoke to reporters. DAMOLA KOLA-DARE was there.
Commitment pivotal to new varsity status
“I am very happy that LASU has the status that everybody is proud of; it is the most sought after university in Nigeria. In the last UTME, we had more than 70,000 applicants, who chose Lagos State University as their first choice. This is about 20,000 more than the university that was the second most sought after. We have come this far not only as the most sought after but also as the most digitally advanced state university in this country. We are the second best in public universities in the country, according to TIMES Higher Education Rankings of 2024.
“We already have that target of being the best in West Africa, in terms of environment, green metrics. All that is happening in LASU is due to the commitment and intentionality of the management, staff, students, and all stakeholders – not excluding our Visitor, who has given us a 100 per cent support to make sure that there is peace and progress in this university. LASU is a very peaceful environment; we have industrial harmony with our staff and student union, which has helped us to maintain a regular calendar.
“Our students come in and graduate at the appropriate time. We have not closed down this university for any industrial action and property, staff and students are safe. To crown it all, LASU is now a residential university; that has also taken enrolment to that high level because parents are assured that their wards are in safe hands and are within the university environment. LASU is the most sought after university in Nigeria now because we have created an enabling environment – an environment for peace, academic excellence and job satisfaction. There was a time when staff did not want their children to come to LASU. When I came in, the enrollment was about 3,000 but because of the peaceful environment, our enrolment is about 13,000. I had this vision, which every staff member is running with. They know where we are going; and everybody is involved. It is a collective responsibility and a collective achievement and I am very happy and proud of my staff and students. We have done very well and I want to thank our Visitor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for the constant support given to this university.
We are poised to go top on TIMES Universities Ranking
“We set up a ranking committee and we have identified all the criteria for the TIMES Higher Education Ranking for Universities and we are very intentional and purposed to being the first. It is part of our targets that by the time I finish my five-year tenure as Vice Chancellor next year, Lagos State University will be the best in West Africa, not only in Nigeria, and we are moving towards that. And my successor should even be able to aim higher. For public universities, we are number two now but we are waiting for the 2025 ranking. Let the ranking come out and we will know where we are. We are very positive that we would have moved up the ladder.”
Varsity tech-compliant, processes digitalised
“AI is being incorporated into teaching and learning in LASU. At the last Senate session, we mandated a committee to bring up the AI policy so that it would be approved, which would make us more focused on being an AI-driven university. We encourage students to use AI – but they have to use it to improve their learning. We also encourage staff members to use AI. What we want is that AI will be a template to improve. You can ask AI whatever you want and you must be intentional about it.
“I am hoping that we will subscribe to ChatGPT Pro where you can have personalised submissions. ChatGPT Pro is a template that you can use for whatever you want to do and we will use it to teach and assess our students. Also, our students will use it to report to us and the scoring will be there. That is where we are going and before I finish my tenure, we will be there. There is Faculty of Computing and Information Technology, LASU, which is very key in driving the whole thing. Under that faculty, we have five departments – Artificial Intelligence is one of them. Regarding being a digitally advanced university, most of our processes in this university have been digitalised – from admission to graduation. We have reduced face-to-face contact to curb influences and corruption. Once your child has been offered admission, the clearance and payments are done online.
“Lectures are even done online. We have blended learning in LASU. We have adopted a virtual learning system to teach. So, every lecturer is supposed to teach with this learning system. And when the class is full, there is no need to rush as a student, just log on and join the class online. Your attendance will be taken and you will not miss any class. Our staff processes have also been digitalised – bursary, payments, collection, registry, appointments, promotion, leave application, and annual performance. Just upload your Curriculum Vitae, take your examinations and we send the papers of our would-be professors to assessors online and they send it back to us. I assess the reports and if they are positive, all I have to do is to approve and it goes to the registry – all online. The registry processes the papers and invites them for an interview – it is only the interview that is face-to-face. So, the entire process, by the time I finish my tenure as VC, will be digitalised.”
How we tackled cultism, others
“It is important to have a good relationship with your neighbours. When I came in, I visited all our hosting communities, Obas and pleaded with them that they must support me by ensuring that our students in their communities are safe. Most of the cultists are outside the campus and they also have a way of getting involved with the culture of the environment. So, we had to stem that tide from the root. And coming into the university, we appealed to the students and staff. They filled an anti-cult code. So, if anything happens, we have evidence that you promised that you are not into cult activities. It wasn’t forced; there were some who refused to sign but we had to do a lot of advocacy, encourage them to sign. Student Union leaders were screened; we made sure they were not cultists. Our security unit was very helpful. Our prayers to God were also helpful.”
LASU Innovation Hub game-changer
“We are very much different because we are very intentional. We solve problems, which is why we have an Innovation hub. The Innovation hub is there for students and staff to explore. You look at problems in society and design a solution to it. We also have the entrepreneurship unit. Apart from general entrepreneurship we do at the centre, every department has an entrepreneurship course –ENT 1000. The ENT 1000 does not have any unit but it is compulsory. You cannot graduate from this university if you don’t pass it. We bring in experts from the industry –successful entrepreneurs in different fields – to teach and they do it pro bono. This is so that when students graduate, they can be job employers not seekers. Apart from that, we have well-equipped laboratories, computer centres. We have just built a workshop for environmental sciences and we are hoping to equip it.”
Milestones: accreditation, new faculties, courses
“When I came in, I had a vision which was to make LASU the best university in West Africa – with the finest and highest level of academic research standards. Within these four years, I have achieved that. I had six strategic goals. I wanted to ensure that academic and professional programmes are accredited and those accredited would remain accredited. When I came in, we won full accreditation for all our professional and academic courses. And we are ready for another round of accreditation before I leave office. When I came in, we established three new faculties: Environmental Sciences, Pharmacy, and Allied Health Sciences. We also had a School of Library and Archival Information Sciences and several centres.
“It was surprising to many that LASU didn’t have Pharmacy before now. And they are not just getting B.Pharm, they are getting D.Pharm (Doctor of Pharmacy). We also have Physiotherapy under Allied Health Faculty. We also have Medical Laboratory Sciences and Science Laboratory Technology and several others. We have the Centre for Actualisation of Sustainable Development Goals; Centre for Response to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence. We are very intentional about achieving the SDGs within our own space. We have zero-tolerance to sexual harassment and gender-based violence. You don’t hear about gang raping in this university and no staff can harass any student, except there is a mutual agreement. We also have a Centre for Peace and Security Studies. We have involved several security people who have come to get diplomas and higher degrees. There is also the programme for disability which is targeted at inclusivity. We are inclusive for people with physical, mental, colour disability. With the Office of Disability, they are the first point of call for people with any form of disability. We are planning to have a resource centre for them so that all their needs would be met.
“We have a Special Education Unit and for every activity in this university, we have people doing the sign language expression. We are looking at making the university a research, innovation development hub for Lagos State and national development. That is why we have our innovation hub and Lagos State is also building another innovation hub for us. We have so many grants coming into the university.
“Our staff’s research papers are also well-referenced all over the world. We also encourage our staff to do competitive research where the Senate gives a N5m grant for the best proposal. We want to ensure that infrastructural facilities are improved and readily available for seamless performance of administrative and academic duties. You see buildings all over the place; we have light, good roads, hospitals and others.
“We have to improve the Internally Generated Revenue with the aim of achieving financial sustainability of the university. Our IGR has improved tremendously. We also have an agenda to promote welfare of staff and students. Staff get their promotion as and when due. Nobody is hiding their file in the drawer because everything is digital. We give them good furniture in their offices. Compare LASU staff offices with those of other universities and you’ll see the difference. We never owe salaries; we pay our salaries between the 21st and 23rd of every month.
“I also promised to promote participation in sports and recreational activities. This year, our female soccer team will be representing Africa in China in the World Students Universities Games. LASU can host the entire world in sports games. We also built the new staff club to help staff to relax. After work, they can relax and share ideas. We have also built the biggest Student Union Building in Africa.”
In other words, Unity is Strength, echoing the motto accompanying the nation’s resilient coat of arms. With unity, every member of any collective is emboldened, making concretely manifest the usual proclamation of “the more merrier”.
Overtly indulged, the climax of almost a whole quarter of merriment for me happened on Friday July 18, 2025. The Lagos State University Muslim Community finally made to formally congratulate me and other members recently promoted professors and deputy registrars. It was a grand occasion presided over by the Chief Imam of the university, Distinguished Professor Amidu Sanni.
What made the event even grander were the multiple venues. For all such sessions ever organized by the community, the mosque alone had played host. Ours was special.
As soon as the regular jumah service was over, the Chief Imam announced that everyone concerned with the special prayer session should step forward for the usually prompt programme. No fewer than three members of the Imam-in-Council, spotting different shades of white, were already seated. Then came the Chairman of the LASU Muslim Community and Professor of Accounting, Professor Babatunde Yussuf Without wasting time, the chief imam personally kickstarted the event by enjoining a congregational chorusing of the standard preliminary chants of muslim prayer sessions. Everyone else joined, thus reinforcing the chorus the more for some ten minutes.
Over with the preliminaries, Professor Sanni signaled to another member of the council, Prof Kabir Paramole, to re-appreciate the mission of the session and pray for all concerned. Every phrase of the prayer point was loudly punctuated by loud choruses of ameen. Next was the turn of Prof Kudus Amuni. Like both Sanni and Paramole, Amuni led the congregation in some other popular Islamic renditions. Then came the announcement from the Chief Imam that the day’s special prayer would be extended to the brand new guest house of the muslim community which is right behind the mosque complex. “We’ve decided to dedicate today for rains of prayers to our new professors and deputy registrars at no cost. We’re particularly intentional to invoke the joy of the newness of our new facility to deepen the prayers for our newly promoted brothers and sisters. The facilities have been long expected and gulped colossal amount of money but alhamdulilah, t’s now habitable to the glory of the Almighty Allah”.
The reception arena of the new storey building oozed refreshingly cool air ceaselessly but mildly dispensed by the silent air conditioners complimented by the sounds and visuals of the television adorning the whitewashed walls. The reception already had invitingly puffy furniture for guests who need not be in a hurry to go anywhere else once there. Well tiled from the very first step into the facility, the entire longish stretch expectedly smelt fresh paint as workmen were still doing final fittings and all.
After some fifteen minutes of exploring and appreciating Allah’s great gift to the LASU muslim ummah, the chief imam called the congregation to order and personally led us all in prayer and re-enacted the same process we had in the mosque making the duo of Professors Paramole and Amuni pray again for the newly promoted. As we were all on our feet, this time, a roll call ritual was flagged off. Names of everyone concerned was called for special blessing and applause.
The show of love to us by the members of the imam in council and some other members of the community was immense and reminded me of the Shakespearian claim that “the love that follows us sometime is our trouble which we still thank as love”
The muslim community’s boundless show of affection with voluntary fortification with prayers for new crowns like me was most reassuring. It came as the strongest reinforcement to the similar showers of love on me and Dr Omolade Sanni when on May 12, 2025, wewere both celebrated on account of our newly attained age of 60 years.
Our entire family at the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, FCMS, led by the first rate disciplinarian dean, one far removed from mindless partisanship and my friend like no other in the fold, energetic and focused Professor Jide Jimoh, took time to set a beautiful stage for the grandeur.
The ceremony enjoyed the full subscription of the entire faculty including the non teaching staff, to the fullest most demonstratively. No sooner had the dean dignified the event with a formal declaration for commencement than the festivities began to play out building on the suitable ambience cultivated with the colourful interior decoration of the choice location within the faculty premises.
One after the other, colleagues, including Rotimi Olatunji and Sunday Alawode, both LASU pioneer professors in their respective fields of public relations and advertising as well as broadcasting and our former deans spoke glowingly about Dr Sanni and myself most inspiringly. Each of them, respected thought leaders within and outside of the university, including being leading lights of Christianity prayed for us. They both demonstrated enviable leadership. Sincerely, we can’t thank them enough for their precious time and love.
Often hailed as Iya Ato believed to be the matriarch of the faculty, Dr Lade Atofojomo did all that was possible to travel back from her sabbatical leave base of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, LASUSTECH, Ikorodu just to come and pamper the two of us. “What will I not do to celebrate my namesake, Dr. Sanni? How about the second supervisor of my PhD thesis, Prof Akanni? Many may never have known here but there’s that inimitable bond between us as Prof Akanni shares the same date of birth with my darling son, Timilehin, who he makes his siblings envy with intermittent gestures?” Iya Ato’s prayers for us were greeted with loud choruses of amen. The martriach that she is, she later handed out personal precious gifts to us in addition to the one to which she had contributed specially presented to us by the faculty.
Then came the rendering of the citations of your sincerely and Dr Lade Sanni by the respected strategic communications scholar, Dr. Noheem. The citations were immediately followed by goodwill messages from colleagues and other well wishers including those from outside the university among whom were veteran journos Mikail Mumuni former editor at Tell as well as Omolollu Kassism renowned for his indomitability at Weekend Concord.
Typical of all such events on campuses, this also featured a lecture. It focused on artificial intelligence and professional communication practices. It was presented by journalism veteran and the Executive Director of International Press Centre, IPC, Lanre Arogundade. Among others, the lecturer, a great friend of the house, asserted that communication experts could not afford to shy away from AI. However, in using AI tools, we must ensure that we guide them to our taste or desire even as we must always ensure quality control.
Over with lecture, merriments followed infinitely beginning with cutting of cakes individually by Dr Sanni and me and later together. The tasty cakes and drinks were evenly shared out and were later complemented with meals
For us at FCMS, we never had any ceremony so fun-filled. Ours shall remain an everlasting bond.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) recently ranked the Lagos State University (LASU), University of Lagos (UNILAG) and University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), as the most preferred Nigerian universities for the 2025 admissions. With LASU as the only state-owned university in the top 10 and occupying top spot, this ranking is a reflection that with the right leadership, enabling environment, structure, approach and funding, state-owned institutions can equally hold their own among federal institutions, DAMOLA KOLA-DARE reports.
The top 10 most subscribed institutions
Lagos State University (LASU) – 70,080 applicants (3.45%)
University of Lagos (UNILAG) – 58,645 applicants (2.89%)
University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) – 56,758 applicants (2.79%)
Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) – 52,108 applicants (2.56%)
Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) – 51,487 applicants (2.53%)
University of Ibadan (UI) – 47,571 applicants (2.34%)
University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) – 46,273 applicants (2.28%)
University of Benin (UNIBEN) – 45,868 applicants (2.26%)
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) – 45,777 applicants (2.25%)
Federal University, Lafia – 42,962 applicants (2.11%)
When the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) adjudged the Lagos State University (LASU) as the most subscribed university for 2025 admissions, it was music to the ears of the Visitor, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the institution’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello. This ranking is an elixir to do more as the VC told The Nation in an interview on campus.
Last week, JAMB Registrar Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, at a policy meeting on admissions into tertiary institutions, released a list of top 10 most sought after universities in the country.
According to him, the most subscribed institutions include: LASU with 70,080 applicants, UNILAG with 58,645 applicants, UNILORIN with 56,758 applicants, and Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) with 52,108 applicants.
Others are Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) with 51,487 applicants, University of Ibadan (UI) with 47,571 applicants, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) with 46,273 applicants and University of Benin (UNIBEN) with 45,868 applicants.
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) with 45,777 applicants and Federal University, Lafia with 42,962 applicants complete the pack.Observers reckon that state-owned universities are challenging the status quo, affirming that they can compete favourably with the federal universities. Over the years, federal universities have been the most subscribed. For instance, University of Illorin was the most subscribed for seven years (2013-2020).
Interestingly, out of the top 10 most sought-after universities, LASU is the only institution owned by a state government, while the nine others are owned by the Federal Government.
While still basking in the euphoria of being the most sought after, its studenst made the university proud and turned heads at the Nigerian Law School 2025 Call to Bar Ceremony in Abuja.
The institution produced 10 First-Class graduates, a testament to the university’s reputation for academic excellence.
At the heart of the celebration was Lawal Maryam Abiodun, a graduate of Common and Islamic Law, who was named the Second Overall Best Graduating Student out of a total of 7,134 students admitted to the Nigerian Law School for the session. She was also recognised as the Best Graduating Female Student of the year.
VC delighted at unprecedented feat
In her official congratulatory message, Prof. Olatunji-Bello applauded the LASU graduates for their achievements. She described the awards as a testament to the strength of LASU’s academic training and the dedication of students and faculty.
“I wholeheartedly congratulate all our legal stars and also commend the Dean and our hardworking Law lecturers for their relentless commitment to building excellent scholars and legal professionals,” she added.
The VC urged LASU Law students to continue to work hard and uphold the university’s legacy of excellence in legal education.
The momentous performance of LASU students at the Nigerian Law School has once again positioned the institution as a leader in producing world-class legal minds, further validating its place among the top universities in Nigeria and beyond.
Prof. Olatunji-Bello told the The Nation that the ranking is due to the unwavering commitment of staff, students.and 100 per cent support of the Visitor, Sanwo-Olu. She described it as a collective responsibility and achievement, stressing that she is very happy and proud of staff of the institution.
She said: “I’m very happy that LASU has the status that everybody, staff, students and even all the stakeholders are proud of. LASU is the most sought after university in Nigeria and that means at the last JAMB exam, we had more than 70,000 applicants who chose the university as their first choice and when you compare it with the second most sought after university, it’s about almost 20,000 or so more than the next university.
“We have come this far not only as the most sought after but the most digitally advanced university, state university in this country. We are the second best university when we come to public universities in the country according to Times Higher Educational Ranking of 2024.
“And we have already made that aspect of being the best in West Africa when we are talking about the environment, we are talking about our green metrics, University of Indonesia ranking gave us. We’ve done that back to back for the past three years now.”
Visitor’s support crucial
The VC praised Sanwo-Olu for his constant support for the institution. She described the school as the governor’s “flagship university”.
“We are the first in West Africa. So, all these happening in LASU is due to the commitment and intentional commitment in particular of the management, staff, students and our stakeholders, not excluding our visitor, Governor Sanwo-Olu.
“So, he has given us the 100 percent support to make sure there is peace in this university and there is progress in terms of security. So, we have here in LASU, a very peaceful environment. We have industrial harmony with all our staff and our student unions.
“That has helped us to maintain a regular calendar; our students come in and graduate at the appropriate time. We have not closed this university down for any industrial action. And properties, staff and students are safe.
“To crown it all, LASU is now a residential university. That has also brought the enrolment to a high level. Because parents are sure their wards are in safe hands and within the university environment, and not outside.
“We have done very well. I want to thank the action governor for the constant support you have given this university. And because it is your flagship university, you have taken it very seriously with 100 percent support. I am very glad we have not disappointed you. You wanted us to keep it up and we are committed to keeping it up towards a greater LASU as I envisioned when I applied for the job,” she said.
What “collective achievement means to VC
On what the achievement means to her, Prof. Olatunji-Bello said: “This feat means I am well accepted in the university, because I have their support, the management, staff and students. So, it means a lot. I have this vision contained in a book that I gave to staff members. They are running with this vision, they know where we are going, they know where we are and everyone is involved. It is not a matter of one person. It is a collective responsibility and achievement, and I am very happy and proud of my staff.
“We set up a ranking committee and identified all the criteria. We are intentional on being the first. It is part of our achievement that by the time I finish my tenure, LASU would be the best not in Nigeria, but in West Africa and we are moving towards that. For public universities, we are number two now, but we are waiting for 2025 rankings. We are positive we would have moved up the ladder.”
Strategies, structures to maintain standard
The VC noted that the university is not prepared to rest on its oars, adding that it can only get better. She highlighted how her administration repositioned the institution and structures in place to ensure the institution continues on its drive for excellence.
She said: “Artificial Intelligence (AI) is incorporated into teaching and learning in LASU. At the last Senate meeting, we mandated a committee to bring out the AI policy so that it will make us more focused on being AI compliant university. We encourage students to use AI to improve themselves and learning,as well as staff. We want AI to be a template to improve on. I am hoping we would subscribe to ChatGPT Pro, where you can have personalised projects or submissions. We will use it to teach, assess our students and they will use it to report to us. That’s where we are going, before I finish my tenure, we will be there. Faculty of Computing is key here; they are driving the whole thing.
“As a digitally-advanced university, most of our processes have been digitalised from admissions to graduation. We have reduced face to face contact to curb corruption. We have blended learning in LASU. We have adopted the virtual learning system. When the class is full, students can join online. Our staff processes too are digitalised. Appointment and promotion are also digitalised. By the time I finish my tenure, the entire process in the university will be digitalised. There are structures in place to maintain the standard. We can only get better. We will never go down.
“We are intentional and we solve problems. The Innovation Hub is to design solutions for problems. We are well equipped.
‘‘In LASU, entrepreneurship is compulsory. Every department has an entrepreneurship course, ENT 1000. No student can graduate without passing it. Successful entrepreneurs come to teach students regularly. So, when students graduate, they become employers of labour.”
