In a conversation with The PUNCH, Vice Chancellor Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello attributes this achievement to a combination of strategic planning, purposeful leadership, improved infrastructure, and a peaceful academic environment.
A Vision Reimagined
Prof. Olatunji-Bello, whose tenure as Vice Chancellor is drawing to a close in 2026, explained that LASU’s upward trajectory has been driven by a shared vision of excellence and collective commitment from all stakeholders—students, staff, management, and the Lagos State Government, led by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
“We’re not just the most sought-after university in Nigeria; we’re also the most digitally advanced state university,” she stated. “We’ve created an environment that promotes peace, academic excellence, and job satisfaction. This institutional harmony has enabled us to maintain a stable academic calendar and consistent graduation timelines, which are major attractions for prospective students and their parents.”
From an enrollment figure of just over 3,000 students in earlier years, LASU now admits around 13,000 annually—a remarkable growth that speaks to its enhanced reputation and the confidence stakeholders now have in the institution.
Climbing the Global Ladder
While LASU currently ranks second among public universities in Nigeria according to the 2024 Times Higher Education Rankings, Prof. Olatunji-Bello is confident that the university will climb even higher in future assessments. She revealed that a dedicated committee has been established to align the university’s operations with the global ranking criteria.
“Our goal is to become the best university in West Africa by the end of my tenure,” she said. “We are intentional and structured in our pursuit. We are not only meeting the benchmarks; we are preparing to exceed them.”
Embracing the Digital Age and AI
In a rapidly evolving technological world, LASU is positioning itself as a future-ready institution. The Vice Chancellor highlighted ongoing efforts to incorporate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into teaching, learning, and administrative processes.
“We are already working on an AI policy to guide our approach, and we plan to subscribe to tools like ChatGPT Pro to personalize learning,” she noted. “From student admissions to academic assessments and staff promotions, we’ve digitalised most of our processes. This reduces physical interaction, curbs corruption, and boosts efficiency.”
The university’s Faculty of Computing and Information Technology, which houses a department specifically focused on AI, is at the forefront of this innovation push.
Rewriting LASU’s Security Narrative
For a university once synonymous with cultism and unrest, LASU’s transformation into a safe and peaceful institution is one of its most significant milestones. According to the Vice Chancellor, the university's turnaround is the result of proactive engagement with host communities, strengthened security measures, and a culture of accountability.
“Students and staff now sign an anti-cultism code. We screened all student union leaders to ensure they had no links to cult groups,” she said. “Most importantly, we’ve prayed and worked hard for peace—and it’s paid off.”
Fostering Entrepreneurship and Practical Skills
Responding to concerns that Nigerian universities churn out unemployable graduates, Prof. Olatunji-Bello pointed to LASU’s deliberate efforts to develop problem-solvers and entrepreneurs. The university’s Innovation Hub and compulsory entrepreneurship courses across all departments (e.g., ENT 1000) expose students to practical skill-building and real-world solutions.
“We want our graduates to be job creators, not job seekers,” she said. “We invite industry experts to mentor students, and we have well-equipped laboratories, workshops, and computing centers to support hands-on learning.”
Milestones and Legacy
Under Prof. Olatunji-Bello’s leadership, LASU has recorded numerous accomplishments. These include:
- Full accreditation for all academic and professional programmes
- Creation of three new faculties: Environmental Sciences, Pharmacy, and Allied Health Sciences
- Establishment of special centres, including the Centre for Sustainable Development Goals, Centre for Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, Centre for Peace and Security Studies, and the Office for Disability Support
- Promotion of inclusivity, with sign language interpretation at university events and plans for a comprehensive disability resource centre
- Consistent staff welfare, with timely promotions, improved work environments, and regular salary payments
- Boost in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and financial transparency
- Global sports recognition, with the female football team set to represent Africa at the World Students Universities Games in China
The university’s infrastructure has also been significantly improved, with new roads, lighting, staff offices, and modern buildings, including what the VC describes as the largest Student Union Building in Africa.
With plans underway to introduce new programmes such as Optometry, LASU’s upward climb shows no signs of slowing. Prof. Olatunji-Bello is optimistic about the future and confident that her successor will continue to build on the foundation she has laid.
“I came in with a vision to make LASU the best in West Africa,” she said. “Today, we’re closer to that goal than ever before—and with the commitment I see all around, I have no doubt that LASU’s best days are still ahead.”
A Community-Based Strategy Against Cultism
Tackling cultism—once deeply rooted in the university’s image—required a community-centred, multi-pronged approach. Prof. Olatunji-Bello recalled one of her first moves in office: building alliances with LASU’s host communities.
“I visited all our host communities and traditional rulers, appealing for their cooperation in ensuring the safety of our students,” she said. “Most cultists were not students, but external actors who infiltrated the campus through local channels. So, we started by dealing with the roots.”
Internally, the university introduced a symbolic but powerful initiative—an anti-cultism code signed voluntarily by both students and staff. While some initially hesitated, the administration engaged in persistent advocacy to ensure widespread buy-in.
Student union leaders also underwent rigorous screening to ensure cult-free leadership, while LASU’s security unit played a crucial role in maintaining vigilance on campus. “And of course,” the Vice Chancellor added with a smile, “we backed our efforts with prayer.”
Developing Graduates for a Dynamic World
LASU has also taken bold steps to bridge the common gap between theory and practical application in higher education. A core element of this transformation is the establishment of an Innovation Hub—a space where students and staff collaborate to solve real-world problems with creative, research-driven solutions.
“We are very intentional about entrepreneurship and problem-solving,” Olatunji-Bello said. “Apart from our general entrepreneurship training at the centre, every department runs its own entrepreneurship course—ENT 1000—which, although non-credit-bearing, is compulsory for all students. You can’t graduate without passing it.”
Industry experts are invited to deliver lectures pro bono, exposing students to diverse fields and helping them envision life beyond employment. This push for hands-on, enterprise-focused education is supported by newly built and equipped laboratories, ICT centres, and technical workshops—especially for faculties like Environmental Sciences.
Key Milestones: Infrastructure, Inclusion, and Innovation
With her tenure set to conclude in 2026, Prof. Olatunji-Bello outlined several accomplishments aligned with her original six-point strategic agenda—foremost among them being LASU’s full accreditation status across all professional and academic programmes.
In the last four years, LASU has expanded its academic footprint with the creation of three new faculties: Environmental Sciences, Pharmacy, and Allied Health Sciences, as well as the establishment of the School of Library and Archival Information Sciences. The pharmacy programme now awards the Doctor of Pharmacy (D.Pharm) degree, while Allied Health Sciences includes courses like Physiotherapy, Medical Laboratory Sciences, and Science Laboratory Technology.
LASU has also emerged as a model for gender sensitivity and social inclusion. The university boasts a Centre for the Response to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, a Centre for Peace and Security Studies, and a dedicated Office for Disability Support. Plans are underway to establish a resource centre catering to individuals with various forms of disability. Sign language interpretation is now standard at major university events, reinforcing LASU’s commitment to accessibility.
“We’re building an inclusive community where no one is left behind—physically, mentally, or socially,” she affirmed.
Promoting Research and Internal Growth
Research output at LASU has gained international traction. The university regularly awards a ₦5 million competitive grant for the best faculty research proposals through the Senate, encouraging robust academic competition.
The institution’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) has also improved significantly, thanks to streamlined digital processes and a culture of transparency. Promotions are processed seamlessly, salaries are paid promptly—typically between the 21st and 23rd of each month—and staff welfare has been visibly enhanced with improved office facilities and timely recognition.
Sports, Recreation, and the Human Side of Campus Life
On the sporting front, LASU’s female soccer team is scheduled to represent Africa at the upcoming World Student University Games in China—a landmark achievement. The university has also commissioned a modern Staff Club and built what is believed to be the largest Student Union Building in Africa, underscoring its commitment to community, wellness, and student leadership.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Academic Horizons
As LASU charts its path toward becoming West Africa’s top university by 2026, new academic programmes are in development. One notable course on the horizon is Optometry, which the Vice Chancellor said is currently under consideration.
With a firm belief in sustainability, innovation, and inclusive growth, Prof. Olatunji-Bello is confident that LASU’s trajectory is not only upward—but enduring.
“LASU has come a long way. The seeds we’ve planted are bearing fruit,” she concluded. “I believe the next phase will take us even further—and I’m proud to have laid the foundation.”