My esteemed colleagues and world-class students, today marks a watershed in the history of our great university, as we formally commence our joint-hosting of the 11th All Africa University Games, Lagos 2024. It’s a day that we have worked very hard to achieve, and I am excited that it’s finally here.
By a twist of fate, today, the 20th of September 2024, also marks the third anniversary of my assumption of office as Vice Chancellor of this great university, following my appointment by Mr. Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu on the 16th of September 2021. These two significant milestones both humble and excite me.
Reflecting on the past, I have been privileged by the grace of God and the support of individuals like yourselves to lead this university for the past three years. It has been an extraordinary and enriching journey filled with valuable lessons and opportunities for our collective advancement.
Together, we have reshaped the narrative of our institution and elevated its standing both nationally and globally. The hosting of the 11th FASU Games, which commences today, is a testament to that achievement.
Collectively, we have maintained a once precarious industrial harmony on our campuses, secured accreditation for various programmes, inaugurated new programmes and faculties, established a secure and safe university environment for all members of our community, diversified revenue streams amidst escalating operational costs, fostered a welfare-oriented administration that upholds the rights of all, instilled a culture of research that promises future dividends, modernised and expanded our infrastructure, and implemented an ICT-driven system, all of which have positioned us as the most sought-after university by prospective students in Nigeria.
Over the past three years, our standing on various ranking platforms has improved, due to an environment that nurtures intellectual rigour, our students have been graduating with exceptional grades, and our faculty members are making significant strides in their respective fields. Today, the gaze of the entire African continent is fixed upon us as we play host to the FASU Games; a testament to our journey on the right trajectory.
For me, this journey is only starting, and the next nine days (as we welcome Africa) and the subsequent two years (towards the conclusion of this administration) are pivotal. Therefore, while I express my deepest gratitude for your collaboration in attaining our modest gains, I implore you to, more than ever, join forces with me in the road ahead. Our objective is singular: To transform LASU into an institution we can all take pride in.
Therefore, even amidst disagreements on minor details, we must not lose sight of the overarching goal. With God on our side, no obstacle can deter us.
Before I conclude and resume preparations for the opening ceremony on Saturday, I must extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Governor and Visitor to our university, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, and his entire team for the exemplary leadership they have graciously provided over the past three years, as well as the proactive governing council of our university for their unwavering efforts in making LASU a model institution.
Our staff and students union, and indeed all workers in LASU are without a doubt the best set of people I could ask for, and I am incredibly proud to lead you in this period of our transformation. Thank you!
Now, let us warmly welcome the rest of Africa to our campus and ensure their sojourn is a positively unforgettable one.
We are LASU, We are Great!
Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM
Vice Chancellor
