Our focus is on character development, says Prof Olatunji-Bello as LASU matriculates 12,873 students

The Vice Chancellor of the Lagos State University (LASU) Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, has stated that the focus of the institution under her leadership is focused on character development.

Professor Olatunji-Bello who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) Prof Adenike Boyo, made the revelation at the Matriculation Ceremony for the 2023/2024 newly admitted students, which took place at the Buba Marwa Auditorium of the institution on Wednesday, 28^th February, 2024.

She stated that a total number of 12,873 were admitted out of over 50,000 applicants that subscribed to the University, adding that the students must count themselves lucky to have gotten admission to LASU. “Therefore, you must count yourselves very lucky to be among the very few that was admitted. It is on this note that I will advise you to face your studies so as not to lose the huge opportunity of getting University education.

She also stated that the ceremony marked the official enrollment of the matriculating students into the Lagos State University’s academic programmes, having been found worthy and qualified to become bonafide students of the Institution.

Congratulating the students she said “I heartily rejoice and congratulate all of you that are fortunate to be offered admission into this reputable University, the University of First Choice, the 9^th Overall Best University in Nigeria among 298 universities, the best university in West Africa according to Greenmetrics, best use of Technology (E-Learning) State University, best use of Technology (Student Records) State University, Excellent in Digital Transformation State University. I also congratulate your parents, guardians, family members and well-wishers for their effort towards ensuring that you fulfill your dreams of having a qualitative education. 

She also disclosed that the welfare and security of the students have become top priority “Your welfare is top on our priority and we will not relent in our efforts to ensure that your learning environment remains conducive and competitive,” adding “be assured that your security in and around the University is paramount to the University Management, hence we have put in place adequate security measures and I plead with you to report any suspicious activities to the University authority for immediate response.”

Prof. Olatunji-Bello further reminded the new students that the institution is a student-centered University, saying that even though a university is a place for freedom, however such freedom has its limits. “It is a place for the grooming of generational leaders. It is a fact that a University is a place of freedom. However, in LASU, that freedom often comes with equivalent obligations and boundaries. We take pride in training students for life. We are focused on character development of our students. This is based on the hope that when you graduate, you will contribute meaningfully to developmental discourses around the globe. Our objective at the Lagos State University is to produce graduates who will be catalysts to the process of transformation of the State to a Greater Lagos.

“My dear Matriculating Students, it is a new beginning for all of you today and by the Grace of God in record time of 4 to 5years depending on your course of study, we will be gathered again for your convocation,” Prof Olatunji-Bello averred. 

She urged the students to abide by the rules and regulations of the university especially as it concerned cultism and gender-based violence. “As young men and women desirous of a brighter future, it is expected that you abide with the rules and regulations of the University and be committed to your studies: be regular in attending lectures; carry out all your assignments; shun deviant behaviors; avoid indecent dressing; carefully select your friends, bad friends destroy good habits; the university has zero tolerance for cultism; avoid examination malpractices,  do away with corruption and hooliganism and other vices that can expose you to danger as those found culpable will be dealt with in line with our disciplinary mechanisms.

“I must also stress that the University under my administration has zero tolerance for Sexual and Gender based violence, and that informed our decision to establish the Directorate of Response and Preventive of Sexual and Gender based violence. Do not keep silent when you are harassed or assaulted in any manner. ‘if you see something, say something’.  Show respect to your Colleagues and Staff in the University to make your stay successful and productive,” she added.

Those in attendance at the event include the top, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, (Academic) Professor Olufunso Omobitan; University Registrar, Mr. Emmanuel A Fanu; University Bursar Mr. Said Olayinka; University Librarian Dr. Layi Adebayo; Provost LASUCOM, Professor Abiodun Adewuya; Deans of Faculties and Schools, Ag. Dean, Students’ Affairs; Directors of Centers; Distinguished Professors, All Heads of Department;

Staff (Academic and Non-Academic) of the University, and the esteemed World Class Students of the institution.