Don’t rush decisions, Olatunji-Bello charges incoming LASU VC

File: Prof Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello

The outgoing Vice-Chancellor of the Lagos State University, Prof Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, has charged her successor, Prof Ayodeji Badejo, to avoid rushing decisions but be courageous in taking necessary actions to move the institution forward.

Olatunji-Bello spoke on Monday at the LASU Vice-Chancellor’s office, Ojo, during an interaction with journalists.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, had on Thursday announced the appointment of Badejo as the new VC, succeeding Olatunji-Bello, whose five-year tenure elapses on September 19, 2026.

The new Vice-Chancellor, who is a professor of Guidance and Counselling, is billed to assume office on September 21.

Speaking, the outgoing VC urged Badejo to be patient in leading the university, stressing that patience should not be mistaken for hesitation in taking decisions.

She said, “LASU is another story entirely. There is long-suffering, she should be patient. When I mean patience, it means you’re not hasty in taking decisions.

“But whatever needs to be done, Prof Badejo should do it. Be courageous,” she said.

Olatunji-Bello also urged the incoming VC to prioritise the welfare of members of staff and students, describing both as key to the progress of the university.

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She expressed confidence in Badejo’s ability to lead the institution, saying the university’s staff were willing to work with her if she was able to push them and make an impact.

“I encourage her that she has the best hands to work with. The university staff are all willing to work with her if she’s able to push them and make an impact on them.

“Staff welfare is very important. She should take care of the staff welfare and student welfare. It is very important; it is very key,” Olatunji-Bello said.

“LASU is a great institution, she will move this university forward by the grace of God. LASU will be greater than it is now,” she said.

The 64-year-old Badejo obtained a PhD in Guidance and Counselling as well as a Master of Education degree in Guidance and Counselling from the University of Lagos.

Olatunji-Bello bows out of office after five years, highlighting achievements to include that LASU is “the most subscribed university in Nigeria and the most digitally advanced among our peers.”

She also boasts of seeing to the increase in the Internally Generated Revenue of the school from N3bn to N13bn.

She further spoke of her administration recording a 96 per cent success rate in its first-year accreditation exercise, with 31 of the 37 programmes presented securing full accreditation.