AS THE 2024 DRAWS TO A CLOSE TODAY…

My esteemed colleagues,

Allow me to extend heartfelt congratulations to each of us for reaching the conclusion of 2024 and offer my warmest wishes for a prosperous 2025 in advance. I share in the collective joy and anticipation as we stand on the cusp of a new year, brimming with fresh opportunities and hope. To Almighty God alone be all the glory for His abundant mercies, which have carried us through the trials and triumphs of the outgoing year.

The year 2024 has been one that tested us on many fronts both as individuals and as a united academic community. It stressed the very fabric of our industrial harmony and pushed us to our wits end as we confronted unforeseen challenges. Yet, amid these trials, it has also been a year of remarkable achievements, opening unparalleled vistas of success for our beloved university.

As we stand on the threshold of a new year, it is fitting that we pause and reflect on the blessings that 2024 has bestowed upon us. The milestones we celebrate include:

LASU emerged as the second most subscribed university in Nigeria by candidates of the 2024 Joint Admission and Matriculation Board Examination;
LASU was named the Best State University in Nigeria according to the AD Scientific Index Ranking;
In the prestigious 2024 Times Higher Education Sub-Saharan Africa Universities Ranking, LASU was honoured with the following distinctions:
i. Best State University in Nigeria;
ii. Second Best Public University in Nigeria;
iii. Fourth Best University Overall in Nigeria; and
iv. 30th Best University in Africa;
In the 2024 UI Greenmetrics World University Ranking, LASU earned the following accolades:
i. Best University in Sub-Saharan Africa (the third time in a row);
ii. Best University in Nigeria;
iii. 23rd Best University in Africa; and

iv. We have also been recently named as the United Nations SDG7HUB Co-Chair.

In the realm of sports, we proudly co-hosted the 11th All Africa University Games, under the banner of Lagos 2024, alongside the University of Lagos. We triumphed, securing second place on the medal table and first position in Sub-Saharan Africa;
In terms of infrastructure, 2024 witnessed an extraordinary expansion of our physical capital, with the inauguration of several state-of-the-art facilities, including the Femi Gbajabiamila Conference Centre, the Africa Centre of Excellence for Innovative and Transformative STEM Education Laboratory, the Samuel Adedoyin ICT Centre, the Academic Resource Centre, and Awori House, to name but a few; and
This year also saw the activation of new strategic partnerships, as well as the strengthening of our existing alliances, including those with the Nigerian Air Force and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Moreover, 2024 has been a year of exceptional breakthroughs for many of our staff and students, who have excelled in their individual research and innovation endeavors.

Personally, this year has reaffirmed for me that, despite the challenges we face, there is always much to be grateful for if we take the time to count our blessings.

I return all glory to God for the year’s accomplishments, and I celebrate all those who have contributed to our collective success. I express my profound gratitude to Mr Governor, Babajide Olushola Sanwo-Olu, and to the esteemed members of the State Executive Council, particularly the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hon. Tolani Sule. I also acknowledge the invaluable contributions of the members of the Governing Council, led by Sir David Sunmoni, FCA, KJW.

At the university level, I am deeply thankful to my colleagues within the management, our dedicated staff and student unions, and every member of the LASU community. Your unwavering commitment to the LASU project has been instrumental in our progress, and for this, I extend my sincerest thanks.

As we stand on the threshold of 2025, I implore us to look ahead with renewed hope and unshakable belief. Let us believe that our aspirations for the coming year are within our grasp, and that with God’s grace, what we presently lack will be made abundant. I urge us to unite once more in the pursuit of our shared vision: to establish LASU as the indisputable leader in the West African academic landscape. Over the past three years, we have laid a solid foundation for the world-class university we aspire to become—a hub of research and innovation where dreams become reality. Let us continue to build upon this foundation, and with God’s guidance, nothing shall deter us from our course. Amen.

Once again, congratulations to all, and a very Happy New Year in advance.

We are LASU, We are Great!

Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, mni, fnli, FSPSP, NPOM.