LASU VC, Prof Fagbohun bags GUNA 2020 award, as LASU Senate holds special event in his honour

Success Damian:

As the curtain draws on the five year successful tenure of the 8th substantive vice Chancellor of Lagos State University ( LASU), Professor 'Lanre Fagbohun, SAN, NPOM, a body known as Global University Network for Innovation Africa( GUNA) has recognised and honoured the professor of Environmental Law for his exemplary leadership, in the West Africa region.

The award was presented to the outgoing Vice Chancellor by Distinguished Prof. Peter Okebukola at the LASU Senate Chamber, Babatunde Raji Fashola Senate Building, Main Campus, Ojo, on Tuesday, 5th January, 2020 at a special Senate session in honour of a man, who has changed the narrative, story and face of the Second Best University in Nigeria. 

The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Damola Oke set the tone for what to come, when he gave a short keynote address, where he described Professor Fagbohun as a well focused leader, who knows the rules and very accommodating.

"He is very firm in taking decisions. The interest of the students and welfare of the staff were very paramount to him. As you leave, may God minister to you as you leave. May He clear your ways. You family will prosper", he stated.

Also, Distinguished Prof. Okebukola, on behalf of LASU Senate presented the man of the moment, Professor Fagbohun, a plaque, in recognition of his achievements during his chequered five year single term as the university's numero uno. "Nigeria has about 173 Federal, State and public universities. And in West Africa, about 147 Universities, altogether, we have 320 Universities in West Africa region. This achievement is no mean feat and not earned on a platter of gold. This is achieved based on hard work, the sterling and leadership qualities of the Vice Chancellor. Congratulations, Professor Fagbohun. This is a well deserved honour", Distinguished Prof. Okebukola said as he handed the portrait of the award to the recipient.

In his response and remarks, an elated Professor Fagbohun, thanked the principal officers, members of the extended University Management Team, Directors, Heads of Departments, non teaching, teaching staff, the LASU world class students, his wife, children, siblings and friends, who thronged the venue of the event, to honour him.

"I am humbled. I am honoured. In the last two weeks, I have been overwhelmed by the show of love by the LASU Community.", he enthused.

Speaking further, "I have worked with amazing colleagues and world class students. It has been a roller coaster of excitements. In the last five years, we had fun. Life is always a mix. In all of this, Lanre Fagbohun is just a tiny spec", the Vice Chancellor  stated with an air of confidence.

On the question put to him by Prof. Oyebola Laguda, if he had any regrets. The celebrant retorted that he had none, but, would feel the regrets if those values and gains he left behind were eroded. "I will begin to have regrets, if we don't follow rules and regulations. If we begin to lose those gains, that is when I will have regrets," he averred in a low tone.

Looking introspect, Professor Fagbohun asserted that he and his team achieved a lot by following the rules, regulations, acting right, with commitment and devotion. He added that the team performed no magic in the last five years, it just played by the laid down rules. He noted that the team was consistent in implementation of policies as well as credibility was the order of the day. He insisted that the consistency in implementation of various policies assisted in elevation of the university and taking it to that enviable height in the comity of higher Institutions 

"The last five years have been amazing, working together. We all did it together. The joy of working together has been amazing. I thank you all for the role played in development of LASU. Finally, to almighty Allah, I say thank you. God's guidance has been with us all through", he ended his remarks.