LASUSTECH Marks Second Founder's Day

By: Habeeb Ibrahim, Balikis Adebukola, Treasure Uboh-Ekong, Abraham Odelusi, and Rukayat Salau

Professor Olumuyiwa Omotola Odusanya, Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH)

•VC Commends Governor Sanwo-Olu

•Six (6) outstanding students honored with scholarships and cash prizes

The Vice Chancellor, Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), Professor Olumuyiwa Omotola Odusanya, has expressed deep appreciation to Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for his unwavering support in the university’s rapid development.

Speaking at the institution’s second Founder's Day celebration on Monday, February 3, 2025, he acknowledged the governor’s contributions to infrastructure, academic excellence, and institutional growth.

Professor Odusanya highlighted LASUSTECH’s remarkable achievements over the past two years, citing strategic partnerships and the university’s commitment to innovation.

He also acknowledged the contributions of the Lagos State Ministry of Tertiary Education, the university’s management, and students in fostering an environment of excellence.

Reflecting on the university's journey since its establishment, Professor Odusanya highlighted key milestones achieved in 2024. These include the completion of the second academic year, the admission of a third set of students, and increased national recognition. “We have become a well-respected institution in the Nigerian university system,” he stressed.

"A significant achievement was the accreditation of Twenty-five (25) academic programmes across four colleges, alongside professional accreditations in disciplines such as architecture, banking and finance, and estate management, adding that this was a huge task, but with unity of purpose, we rose to the challenge,  stressing that accreditation is not just a status but a continuous process of improvement".

In terms of infrastructure, the Vice Chancellor announced major developments, including the construction of a new university auditorium and central research laboratory through TETFund support.

He also noted that the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria is building a Bankers’ House and a 160-seat auditorium, while the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), through Senator Wasiu Eshinlokun, is donating an additional auditorium.

Further partnerships have led to significant investments in the university. The Nigeria Institute of Transport Technology has commenced work on a new building at the Ikorodu campus, and the Nigerian Automotive Design and Development Council has granted LASUSTECH access to its Automotive Emission Centre. Professor Odusanya emphasized that these collaborations position  the university as a key player in Nigeria’s educational and industrial landscape.

Professor Adesegun Olayiwola Fatusi, Vice Chancellor of the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo

In a keynote address delivered by Professor Adesegun Olayiwola Fatusi, Vice Chancellor of the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, he emphasized the urgent need for Nigerian universities to embrace a culture of strategic foresight and bold decision-making.

The  speech, titled "Getting It Right in a New University," examined the historical trajectory of Nigerian universities and the critical steps needed for institutional excellence.

Professor Fatusi critiqued challenges in the Nigerian university system, describing the shift "from glory to glory" due to poor planning, weak leadership, and political interference. He called for an end to the “fire brigade approach” in university management, advocating instead for thoughtful and visionary leadership.

Highlighting best practices for new universities, he stressed the need for a strong institutional vision, rigorous academic standards, and dynamic leadership. “Excellence and responsiveness must be the DNA of any great university,” he stated, urging LASUSTECH to remain committed to research, innovation, and the holistic development of its students.

Professor Fatusi emphasized that the success of new universities depends on their ability to attract and retain top talent. He identified key categories of university leaders: adventurers, beginners, carpetbaggers, and developers, encouraging LASUSTECH to focus on the last group; leaders who are genuinely invested in long-term institutional growth.

He further outlined a three-fold strategic approach for new universities: addressing key gaps in education, embedding global best practices, and fostering a connected academic community.

“A university must be a learning organization where collective aspirations are nurtured, and people continually learn how to learn together,” he noted.

Elizabeth M. Oshofiso, from the Department of Economics, emerged as the overall best student with a CGPA of 4.93

The ceremony also served as an opportunity to honor outstanding students. Elizabeth M. Oshofiso, from the Department of Economics, emerged as the overall best student with a CGPA of 4.93, earning a full scholarship for the 2024/2025 academic session.

Other high-achieving students received 50% tuition scholarships, including Habeeb O. Daramola (Animal Science, CGPA 4.69), Felicia E. Olaleye (Industrial Chemistry, CGPA 4.66), Fadilullah E. Yusuf (Civil and Construction Engineering, CGPA 4.73), and Emmanuel O. Adenaya (Architecture, CGPA 4.73).

Adenaya also received the Best Epe Student Male award and a ₦100,000 cash prize from the Vice Chancellor. Similarly, Mariam T. Ligali, from the Department of Economics, was named the Best Epe Student Female, receiving an identical cash prize. Guest speaker Professor Adebisi Balogun further honored the top students with additional cash awards of ₦75,000 each.

A total of 127 students achieved a CGPA of 4.5 and above, with 73 first-year students (now in their second year) and 54 second-year students (now in their third year) reaching this academic distinction. The Vice Chancellor commended them, reiterating LASUSTECH’s commitment to nurturing intellectual excellence.

In his closing remarks, Professor Odusanya urged all members of the university to embrace the IMPACT agenda—Infrastructure, Manpower development, Productivity, Academic culture, Catalyst for Lagos State’s agenda, and Town-Gown relationships. He expressed confidence that LASUSTECH will continue to break barriers and achieve new heights.

The second Founder’s Day was not just a celebration of past achievements but a bold statement of the institution’s vision for the future.