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Tag: LASU

  • Infrastructure renewal firm, LASU, others partner to deliver hostels

    Infrastructure renewal firm, LASU, others partner to deliver hostels

    Advent Integrated Services Ltd, an infrastructure renewal and development firm, has partnered with the Lagos State Government, Lagos State University (LASU), and other stakeholders through a Public Private Partnership (PPP) initiative to complete a new 1,128-bed Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) at LASU.

    The hostels aim to meet the pressing housing needs of students and facilitate the university’s transition to a more residential model.

    Goke Dokun, Managing Director of Advent Integrated Services Ltd, emphasized that this partnership was crucial for addressing the housing shortage while fostering an environment conducive to academic success. He noted that the facilities are meticulously designed to meet students’ daily needs, ensuring quality, secure, and comfortable living spaces.

    The newly finished hostels boast modern amenities, including furnished rooms with en-suite bathrooms, study and common areas, a launderette, convenience stores, cafeterias, recreational spaces, and internet access.

    Dokun, highlighted that the project aims not only to enhance learning but also to improve the overall student experience, preparing graduates to tackle future challenges and contribute to economic growth.

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    “The facility incorporates eco-friendly features such as a biodigester system for waste management and reliable water supply, aligning with key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Quality Education (Goal 4), Clean Water and Sanitation (Goal 6), Affordable and Clean Energy (Goal 7), and Sustainable Cities and Communities (Goal 11),” he stated.

    Mr. Dokun credited the project’s success to the Lagos State Government’s proactive engagement with the private sector in infrastructure development. He noted that the project, funded by the Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund (NIDF), utilized a sustainable financing model that overcame typical funding challenges, ensuring timely completion.

    University sources praised the collaboration for addressing long-standing accommodation issues and enhancing student welfare and overall experience.

    Members of the university community expressed their gratitude to all partners involved, highlighting the project’s adherence to robust Environmental and Social Management practices, which ensure that the hostels meet immediate needs while promoting long-term community benefits. They believe it will significantly alleviate the student housing crisis and foster an environment that supports academic excellence.

    Nigeria’s higher education sector has long faced infrastructure deficits, particularly in student accommodation. With over 1.8 million students enrolled in 170 universities, many institutions struggle to provide adequate housing, often leaving students in unsafe or unsuitable living conditions. The National Universities Commission (NUC) reports an average student-to-bed ratio of 15:1 in Nigerian universities, compared to a global average of 3:1.

  • NAF, LASU collaborate to boost indigenous aerospace capabilities

    NAF, LASU collaborate to boost indigenous aerospace capabilities

    Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has renewed its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Lagos State University (LASU), reaffirming its commitment to advance Nigeria’s aerospace capabilities through strategic partnerships.

    The MoU was signed during a visit by the Vice Chancellor of LASU, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, to the headquarters NAF in Abuja.

    This is contained in a statement by the Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa, yesterday in Abuja.

    Read Also: LASU VC: Celebrating exemplary leadership in education

    The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, said the renewed MoU was a major step towards fostering technical collaborations with the academia to enhance indigenous aerospace engineering capacity.

    He hailed the university’s Aerospace Engineering Department for being a vital player in Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem.

    He said NAF’s collaboration with LASU, which started with the first MoU in 2013, aligned with one of the key enablers of his Command Philosophy.

  • Embrace skills relevant to your discipline, LASU dean, envoy urge students

    Embrace skills relevant to your discipline, LASU dean, envoy urge students

    By Sherifdeen Amusa and Omolara Aniunlopo

    The Dean of Faculty of Communication and Media Studies (FCMS), Lagos State University (LASU), Prof. Sunday Alawode and Taiwan Trade Representative  to Nigeria, Andy Yih-Ping Liu have urged undergraduates to place emphasis on skills relevant to their disciplines, as they would for their certificates.

    They made this call at the opening of a two-day practical training tagged: “Get Empowered; Learn a skill today and secure your future” organised for the faculty’s undergraduates.

    The training, which centred on Camera Training, Video Editing, Lighting and Art of Content Creation, was organised by the FCMS and sponsored by the Taiwan Trade Representative Office, Nigeria.

    Prof. Alawode said: “Nobody is going to ask you for your certificate, but what you can do. I have a First Class, Second Class Upper or Second Class Lower and so what?! If a Third Class holder is better than you in practical skills, that person will get a job ahead of you and even get a better pay than you.”

    Emphasising the importance of relevant skills, he corroborated it with the story of a Corps member, who was employed at an organisation she was deployed to because she had the required skills, while others were redeployed elsewhere.

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    “When a youth corps member, Opeyemi Adams, went for her service, two or three of them were posted to a radio station. They said, ‘Even if we will listen to you, what can you do?’ Others said they were there to learn so that they would be able to work. But she said, ‘I can edit’. She said she could do audio editing and she mentioned the packages she can use. Immediately, she was absorbed while others were sent elsewhere,” he said.

    He lamented the lackadaisical attitude of some students, who do not make use of the facilities provided to help them build practical knowledge or skills.

    “The basic things you need are always here: photography, video camera, tripod, editing suites, materials and computers are always here. It is quite unfortunate when students say they have not been able to go to the studio. They only go there when a lecturer so insists you have to follow me there and put them through and then hand them over to the technical hands. Immediately the lecturer leaves, they also leave,” he said.

    He added that capacity-building to make industry-fitted graduates, who would benefit the larger society is their core mandate at FCMS.

    “Here, in the FCMS, we have various studios and equipment for our students. What we are demonstrating here is capacity-building. The school is well-positioned to attend to their practical and theoretical needs, so that as they come, we infuse into them this practical orientation that would make a great contribution to the larger society,” he said.

     He appreciated the coordinators, facilitators and the sponsors for organising the training.

     Ambassador Yih-Ping Liu, who joined virtually, said it was important for the mission to work with FCMS to help the students to prepare for the future ahead.

    “It is very important for the university and their students to make preparation for their future. Thus, it is quite important for our mission to work with the faculty and LASU to help the students to prepare for their future,” he said.

    He added that Taiwan shared constitutional ideas with Nigeria, with great emphasis on freedom of speech and freedom of the press.

    “Taiwan has been a democracy that shares its constitutional ideas with Nigeria with great emphasis on freedom of speech and freedom of the press,” he said.

    He expressed his excitement at the training and said it was a great input of educational resources in collaboration with the FCMS.

    “It is a great input of educational resources and efforts made by the collaboration through the faculty. We are very happy to be part of this important promotion of your professional skills and also in preparedness for the future,” he added.

    Coordinator of FCMS Conversion Programme and facilitator of the capacity-building Dr. David Olaluwoye gave a background about what informed the event, explaining that the resources experts invited were picked to impart the skills into the beneficiaries.

    He hoped that the students would make the best use of the opportunities offered by the training, thanking the Taiwanese Trade Mission for sponsoring the programme.

  • LASU don charts way for national transport

    LASU don charts way for national transport

    A Professor of Transport and Logistics at Lagos State University (LASU), Samuel Odewumi, has underscored the importance of  overhauling all modes of transportation, giving adequate attention to management of road transportation and implementing a robust transportation policy to boost the economy.

    Prof. Odewumi delivered the 99th inaugural lecture  of LASU on campus in Ojo. It was entitled: “Walking our way back to the garden of Eden: Envisioning a model of the complete metamorphosis of the urban transportation system trajectory.”

    According to him, Nigeria’s transportation system is disjointed, hence, road and rail management, inland and international waters, the Ministry of Aviation and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) which serves as pipeline, and the Ministry of Works (road construction) should all have been under  Ministry of Transportation, while an overall minister supervises activities, with a minister of state as head each of the other units.

    Odewumi,  who stressed the need for overhauling all modes of transportation, bemoaned the balkanisation of the transport sector in that

    activities in the sector are scattered across many government ministries and agencies.

    Read Also: FG set up committee to tackle multiple taxation, harassment of truck owners

    He urged government to give adequate attention in terms of effective management to road transportation because about 90 per cent of all mobility in the country is done  on roads.

    The don called for professionalism in  the transport sector, stressing the need for experts who understand the dynamics of the system  to run affairs at the national, state and local levels.

    Odewumi urged government should adopt the use of local materials, technologies and expertise for road repairs and construction rather than relying on expensive foreigners, especially from China and Germany, who will repatriate their income back home.

    He called on the Lagos State not to abandon the research on converting of solid wastes like plastics, polythene and sand to road repairs and construction materials.

    The don  said it is imperative to change the narrative in the transport sector for not only the economy but also the people to flourish as the sector is connected one way or the other to other sectors.

    Earlier Vice Chancellor of LASU, Prof Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor( Academic), Prof Olufunsho Omobitan, lauded him for being a brilliant academic and excellent administrator.

  • LASU interdicts LASUCOM provost over insubordination, others

    LASU interdicts LASUCOM provost over insubordination, others

    The Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, has approved the interdiction of the Provost of Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM), Prof. Biodun Adewuya, on grounds of insubordination, unauthorised disclosure of official information, actions prejudicial to the security of the university and the state, divided loyalty and conduct unbecoming of a public officer.

    This is contained in a statement yesterday by LASU’s Coordinator, Centre for Information and Public Relations, Oluwayemisi Thomas-Onashile.

    The statement said: “These actions, according to a memo with reference number LASU/ASE/PF/3394, dated August 30, 2024 constitute serious misconduct and are in violation of the university’s regulations as stipulated in Chapter 3, sections 3.6 and 3.8 (3.8.1) of the Conditions of Service for Senior Staff (September 2017).

    Read Also: Lagos orders investigation into A’Ibom CP’s death at LASUTH

    “The interdiction of Prof. Adewuya is effective from September 3, 2024 and will last for an initial period of three months, during which time he is relieved of official duties as a member of staff of Lagos State University and as Provost of LASUCOM, in accordance with Chapter 3, Section 3.9.7 (e) of the University’s Conditions of Service for Senior Staff.”

    The institution said prior to the interdiction, Adewuya had been issued two queries regarding the allegations, to which he provided responses, but the VC deemed the responses unsatisfactory and unacceptable and, as such, referred the case to the Joint Council-Senate Disciplinary Committee for further investigation.

    In the interim, Olatunji-Bello has approved the appointment of Prof. Olufemi Emmanuel Idowu, Deputy Provost of LASUCOM, as Acting Provost with effect from last Tuesday.

    Idowu of the Department of Surgery, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, will serve in this capacity pending the outcome of the investigation by the Joint Council-Senate Disciplinary (Academic) Committee concerning Adewuya.

  • LASU restarts academic activities Tuesday

    LASU restarts academic activities Tuesday

    Authorities of the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, have directed that academic and administrative activities should resume on its campuses from tomorrow (today).

    The university had announced last Wednesday that activities were suspended till further notice, following the nationwide protests.

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    However, a statement by Coordinator, Centre for Information and Public Relations, Oluwayemisi Thomas-Onashile, said students and workers were expected back on campus today.

    The institution urged members of the university community to be vigilant upon resumption, as their well-being is important.

  • LASU, UNILAG, Pan-Atlantic sign STEM Pact with U.S. varsity

    LASU, UNILAG, Pan-Atlantic sign STEM Pact with U.S. varsity

    In a groundbreaking move to advance women’s education and bolster Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, the Lagos State University (LASU), the University of Lagos (UNILAG), and the Pan-Atlantic University (PAU) have signed an educational cooperative partnership agreement with Spelman College, Atlanta, Georgia, United States.

    The partnership aims to establish a robust framework for collaboration among the four universities, focusing on creative industries, faculty and student exchange programmes, and mutually beneficial educational initiatives.

    The event, held at UNILAG, was attended by U.S. Consul-General in Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr., members of the U.S. Presidential Advisory Committee, leaders from other universities in and around Lagos, as well as staff and students from the partnering institutions.

    This partnership, aptly titled “Developing Partnerships between U.S. and Nigerian Institutions of Higher Education,” marks a significant milestone in educational cooperation and is set to pave the way for numerous academic and cultural exchanges, enriching the educational landscape in Nigeria and beyond.

    The signing ceremony was attended by prominent academic figures, including UNILAG Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola; LASU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, represented by LASU Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Adenike Boyo; Dean of the School of Management and Social Science at PAU, Prof. Sola Oni; and Dr. Helene Gayle of Spelman College.

    Prof. Ogunsola, the chief host, highlighted the importance of this partnership, expressing hope that it would strengthen ties with the diaspora community and advance STEM education in the country.

    “We hope to forge stronger ties with the diaspora community to foster a developmental drive that will engender the growth of STEM education in Nigeria.

    “This will help to promote capacity building for faculties, improve collaborations, foster exchange opportunities, facilitate co-creation of curricula, and encourage multi-disciplinary research engagements,” she said.

    Read Also: LASU, UNILAG, Pan-Atlantic Sign STEM Pact with U.S. Varsity

    Highlighting UNILAG’s commitment to the initiative, Prof. Ogunsola emphasised the university’s proactive approach to fostering interdisciplinary collaborations and innovations.

    This pledge, she added, reflects UNILAG’s strategic focus on integrating advanced technologies and entrepreneurial skills into its academic programmes, ensuring that students are well-equipped to tackle modern challenges.

    Prof. Olatunji-Bello expressed LASU’s enthusiasm about the partnership, particularly in enhancing its Africa Centre of Excellence for Innovative and Transformative STEM Education.

  • LASU trains students on project management

    LASU trains students on project management

    The Lagos State University(LASU) Career Development Centre in conjunction with the Association of Management Technology Students, Department of Management Technology, has organised  a one-day training for students.

    The event which on the school’s main campus in Ojo, Lagos, was aimed at expanding students’ career horizon.

    The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello,  stressed the importance of project management as the foundation of entrepreneurship. She was represented  by Prof. Ibrahim Olawale Olateju, a professor of Project Management and Dean, Post Graduate School, LASU.

    She said : “Project Management is the tripod on which successful entrepreneurship rests.Without substantial project management skills, you have no place in the next generation.”

    The Dean, Faculty of Management Sciences, Prof. Rafiu Akanji Bankole said the Nigerian Universities’ syllabus is being adjusted to include project management as a compulsory course of study in the faculty of management sciences across the federation.

    The Director, LASU Career Development Centre,  Prof. Stella  Durowoju thanked the participants for attending.

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    At the event, speakers represented various industries, including banking, surveying, project management, and insurance. They stressed the importance of project management skills in today’s fast-paced business environment and emphasised the need for students to develop these skills to remain competitive in the job market.

    The training provided students with the opportunity to network and interact with the speakers and industry professionals and learn about career opportunities in project management. The speakers encouraged students to pursue certifications in project management, such as the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, Microsoft Project, Coursera, and other relevant online certification courses, to enhance their career prospect.

    With over 200 students in attendance, the career building programme equipped students with a comprehensive understanding of project management and its applications in various industries. The event served as a catalyst for students to pursue careers in project management, armed with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in today’s competitive job market.

    The event concluded with a Q&A session, a presentation of awards and group.

  • LASU, UNILAG, Pan-Atlantic Sign STEM Pact with U.S. Varsity

    LASU, UNILAG, Pan-Atlantic Sign STEM Pact with U.S. Varsity

    In a groundbreaking move to advance women’s education and bolster Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, Lagos State University (LASU), University of Lagos (UNILAG), and Pan-Atlantic University (PAU) have signed an educational cooperative partnership agreement with Spelman College, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

    The partnership aims to establish a robust framework for collaboration among the four universities, focusing on creative industries, faculty and student exchange programs, and mutually beneficial educational initiatives.

    The event, held at UNILAG, was attended by U.S. Consul-General in Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr., members of the U.S. Presidential Advisory Committee, leaders from other universities in and around Lagos, as well as staff and students from the partnering institutions.

    This partnership, aptly titled “Developing Partnerships between U.S. and Nigerian Institutions of Higher Education,” marks a significant milestone in educational cooperation and is set to pave the way for numerous academic and cultural exchanges, enriching the educational landscape in Nigeria and beyond.

    The signing ceremony was graced by prominent academic figures, including UNILAG Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola; LASU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, represented by LASU Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Adenike Boyo; Dean of the School of Management and Social Science at PAU, Prof. Sola Oni; and Dr. Helene Gayle of Spelman College.

    Prof. Ogunsola, the chief host, highlighted the importance of this partnership, expressing hope that it will strengthen ties with the diaspora community and advance STEM education in the country.

    “We hope to forge stronger ties with the diaspora community to foster a developmental drive that will engender the growth of STEM education in Nigeria.

    “This will help to promote capacity building for faculties, improve collaborations, foster exchange opportunities, facilitate co-creation of curricula, and encourage multi-disciplinary research engagements,” she said.

    Highlighting UNILAG’s commitment to the initiative, Prof. Ogunsola further emphasised the university’s proactive approach to fostering interdisciplinary collaborations and innovations.

    “I assure our commitment to leverage partnerships to build capacities in sports, artificial intelligence, robotics, fintech, entrepreneurship, and other key areas to meet contemporary needs and resolve global issues,” she said.

    This pledge, she added, reflects UNILAG’s strategic focus on integrating advanced technologies and entrepreneurial skills into its academic programs, ensuring that students are well-equipped to tackle modern challenges.

    Prof. Olatunji-Bello expressed LASU’s enthusiasm about the partnership, particularly in enhancing its Africa Centre of Excellence for Innovative and Transformative STEM Education.

    Read Also: LASU students stage peaceful protest over additional fee

    She also highlighted the recent establishment of the School of Tourism, Films, Performing Arts and Cultural Studies, and Disabilities Support Office at LASU.

    Dr. Helene Gayle congratulated the Lagos-based universities on this forward-thinking initiative.

    She lauded the commitment of the Lagos institutions to advancing faculty growth and national development.

    “This collaboration was conceived following a decision by the U.S. Presidential Advisory Committee to promote educational exchange programs between Africa and the diaspora. It is our hope that our students from Africa can change the world by better understanding the world through the kind of exposure that this partnership offers,” she noted.

  • LASU students stage peaceful protest over additional fee

    LASU students stage peaceful protest over additional fee

    Students of Lagos State University (LASU) on Monday staged a peaceful protest against introduction of N10,000 Computer Based Test (CBT), forensic and counselling fee by the institution.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the students had on Sunday  complained  about the fee.

    During Monday’s protest, the students described  introduction of the fee  as extortion.

    They  carried placards with inscriptions such as  ‘Say No To  10k CBT Fee’, ‘Say No To Extortion’ , ‘Why CBT Fee?’ , ‘CBT Go Whine Us’.

    LASU’s Student Union Leader, Mr Dolapo Tobun, and other executives of the union led the protest.

    Tobun said that  the union was  not informed about the fee.

    According to him, LASU students  only noticed the additional fee on their school portal.

    “This particular protest was necessary.

    “I led the peaceful protest because we wanted the management to address the issue today and explain the reason for the additional fee,” he said.

    Dolapo said that following the protest, the union leaders met with the school management which agreed to  remove the fee.

    Mr Samuel Kappo ,Senior Special Assistant to Lagos State Governor on Students’ Union Affairs  (Tertiary Education),   urged the students to return to classes and remain law-abiding.

    Kappo said that the students’ welfare and academic success were priorities of Lagos State Government.

    Read Also: LASU bursar, director, inducted into African Legendary Hall of Fame

    “After engaging with the students’ union and university management, the mandatory fee has been removed.

    “The students staged a peaceful walk to the senate building, expressing their concerns.

    “I commend the students for their conduct during the peaceful protest and the university management for its considerate decision,” he said.

    In her reaction to the protest, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello,  said that after meeting with the students,  the university management withdrew the fee.

    (NAN)