- Oba Ogunsanwo played host to the LASU management at his palace in Ilara-Epe, Epe, Lagos.
- He pledged to prioritise AI, youth development, and global partnerships at the university.
- The traditional ruler also praised LASU’s leadership and high academic standards.
His Royal Majesty, Oba Olukayode Olufolarin Ogunsanwo (Telade IV), the Alara of Ilara Kingdom and newly appointed Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU), has pledged to prioritise youth development, artificial intelligence (AI), and global partnerships as part of his vision for the institution.
EKO HOT BLOG reports that the monarch spoke on Thursday when the management of LASU, led by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, paid him a courtesy visit at his palace to congratulate him on his appointment as the sixth Chancellor of the university.
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In his remarks, Oba Ogunsanwo, who is also a doctoral student in Business Administration at LASU, described the institution as a “beautiful citadel of learning” and commended its leadership over the decades for sustaining high academic standards.
“As God will have it, I am also a student of this great institution. I am currently pursuing a doctorate in Business Administration,” he said, adding that he was in his third year and expected to complete the programme and graduate next year.
He expressed confidence that the training he had received at the university would translate into service and impact.
“All the things you have been teaching us in public administration and business administration, we will return them to you in service—contributing to the progress and success of this university,” Oba Ogunsanwo said.
The Alara praised past and present university administrators, singling out his predecessor and the current Vice-Chancellor for their contributions.
“I want to pay tribute to all the chancellors who have contributed their quota, and particularly my immediate predecessor, Professor Gbolahan Elias, who worked tirelessly to keep the flag flying,” he said. “Together with all previous Vice-Chancellors, up to the current Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, they have taken LASU to greater heights.”
The traditional ruler described LASU as one of Nigeria’s leading universities, citing its competitiveness and high demand among prospective students.
“LASU is one of the best, if not the best, universities in Nigeria. It also has one of the highest numbers of applicants striving to be part of it,” he said, recalling that only a small fraction of applicants often meet the cut-off marks, a reflection of the institution’s high standards.
Outlining his vision as Chancellor, Oba Ogunsanwo said he would focus on equipping young people with relevant skills for national development.
“We must make them more useful to themselves, their families, and the nation,” he said, adding that the university must position itself for emerging technological shifts.
“I know LASU is well known for ICT, but in this era of artificial intelligence, we will explore more opportunities to bring the university into the modern environment,” he stated. He also called for stronger collaboration with global institutions to deepen research and academic exchange.
The monarch pledged to serve as a bridge between the university, government, and traditional institutions. “I will be a father to the people and a face of LASU. When we look back, we should always have reason to thank Almighty God for what we have accomplished,” he said.
Oba Ogunsanwo concluded by reaffirming his commitment to ensuring LASU remains a leading institution. “We will continue to ensure that LASU remains the best. We are LASU. We are the best. We will continue to work together, and by God’s grace, we will succeed,” he said.
FURTHER READING
The visit, which attracted royal fathers, chiefs, and university administrators, followed Oba Ogunsanwo’s appointment as the first traditional ruler to serve as Chancellor of LASU. Other monarchs present congratulated him and expressed support for his new role.
Click to watch the video of the week below:
