- Oba Ogunsanwo will attract private investors to boost LASU’s finances.
- The Chancellor plans to create a new revenue model beyond government aid.
- He promised to produce graduates who are ready for the global job market.
The newly appointed Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU), the Alara of Ilara Kingdom, Oba (Dr.) Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo, has promised to transform the financial landscape of the institution by looking beyond government subventions.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Alara, speaking at a high-level visit from the university’s Governing Council to his palace, the monarch made it clear that his tenure will be defined by a shift toward self-sustainability and private-sector partnerships.
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The traditional ruler, who brings over two decades of experience in tax administration and public finance, plans to use his vast professional network to create an endowment fund that will support research and major infrastructure projects.
This promise comes as a relief to many stakeholders who have long advocated for a more independent financial model for the state-owned university.
A major highlight of the monarch’s address was his plan to turn LASU into a hub for alternative revenue generation. He told the delegation that relying solely on the state government is no longer sustainable in a modern economy.
Instead, he intends to facilitate a system where the university’s various departments can provide consultancy services and innovative solutions to industries in Lagos and beyond.
The Alara pointed out that his background as the former Executive Chairman of the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service gives him a unique vantage point to identify untapped opportunities for the school.
He promised to work closely with the management to ensure that the university becomes a business-friendly environment that can attract big-ticket investments from local and international donors.
Beyond the numbers, the Chancellor spoke passionately about the quality of the students being produced by the institution.
He promised to focus on creating “industry-ready” graduates who do not need extensive retraining after leaving the university.
To achieve this, he plans to initiate programs that connect final-year students with top-tier firms for internships and direct mentorship.
The monarch noted that his vision is to see LASU graduates being the first choice for multinational corporations.
He stressed that by bridging the gap between what is taught in the classroom and what is needed in the boardroom, the university will significantly improve its global ranking and the employability of its alumni.
The Alara also touched on the internal workings of the university, promising a high standard of accountability and transparency.
He described himself as a perfectionist who values results over long speeches, stating that every project under his watch must meet international benchmarks.
He promised to personally oversee the progress of key campus developments to ensure that funds are used efficiently and that projects are delivered on time.
He also sent a strong message to the student body, promising to support scholarship schemes for those from less privileged backgrounds.
He believe that no brilliant mind in Lagos should be denied an education because of financial constraints, and he intends to rally the support of wealthy individuals and corporate bodies to expand the university’s bursary systems.
Concluding his address, the monarch assured the Governing Council of his full availability and commitment to the university’s growth.
He noted that while his primary duty is to the people of the Ilara Kingdom, his role as Chancellor is a state assignment he takes with the utmost seriousness.
He promised to be a listening leader who will maintain an open-door policy for the university’s management, staff, and students.
As the delegation left the palace, there was a clear sense that the appointment of Oba Ogunsanwo is a strategic move that will bring much-needed corporate discipline to the academic environment.
The community in Epe and the entire Lagos State now look forward to seeing these promises translate into a stronger, wealthier, and more prestigious Lagos State University.
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