- Alara of Ilara paid his first official visit to LASU as its newly appointed 6th Chancellor.
- He pledged to use his network and royal goodwill to boost LASU globally.
- The royal father outlined a five-point vision for the institution.
The newly appointed 6th Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU), His Royal Majesty Oba Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo, the Alara of Ilara Kingdom, Epe Division, on Monday, paid his first official familiarisation visit to the institution.
EKO HOT BLOG reports that the university community, led by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, and members of the Management team, received the royal entourage in a welcome ceremony before the monarch toured several key facilities across the campus.
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During the visit, Oba Ogunsanwo praised LASU for its infrastructural growth, state-of-the-art facilities, and commitment to digital transformation, and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting its continued growth and global recognition.
In his address to the university community, the Chancellor said the visit had given him a valuable opportunity to understand the institution from the inside. “Today’s programme has provided me with a valuable opportunity to interact with the University Management and gain a better understanding of the University’s governance structure, administrative operations, academic priorities and developmental aspirations,” he said.
He commended the university’s leadership for the quality of presentations delivered by the Vice-Chancellor, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Professor Oseni Taiwo Afisi, and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Oluwatoyin Ayokunle Enikuomehin, describing them as evidence of institutional seriousness.
“The presentations have clearly demonstrated that Lagos State University remains committed to excellence in Teaching, Research, Innovation, Community Engagement and Institutional Development,” he said.
One of the highlights of his address was his congratulations to LASU’s management over a major federal funding win.
“I want to seize this opportunity to congratulate the Vice Chancellor and the entire management on the recent emergence of LASU as the sole beneficiary institution for the establishment of the TETFund Centre of Excellence on Artificial, Robotics and Cyber Sciences (ARCS), which will drive Research, Innovation and Capacity Development in the South West and is worth about ₦3 billion,” the Chancellor said.
He described the achievement as “a testament to the dedication of the Governing Council, Management, Staff, Students as well as Stakeholders who continue to work tirelessly for the progress of the Institution.”
On the question of what he brings to his new role, Oba Ogunsanwo was clear about the weight of his commitment.
“As Chancellor, I wish to assure the University Community of my unwavering support for initiatives aimed at advancing the University’s Vision and Mission. I shall continue to utilise my office, experience, network and goodwill to support efforts that will further strengthen Lagos State University’s standing among leading Universities globally,” he said.
The monarch also stressed that the university’s growth cannot be achieved by the institution alone, calling for a wider coalition of support.
“I believe strongly that the continued growth and development of the University will require greater collaboration amongst Government, Alumni, Corporate Organisations, Development Partners, Philanthropists and Friends of the University,” he said, adding that “through strategic partnerships and collective commitment, we can attract the resources and opportunities needed to accelerate institutional development and academic excellence.”
Casting his vision for the institution’s future, the Chancellor outlined five broad aspirations: seeing LASU become “a globally competitive institution,” “a centre of excellence in teaching, research and innovation,” “a hub for entrepreneurship and technological advancement,” “a model of effective governance and administration,” and “a major contributor to national development and societal progress.”
He closed by appealing to all members of the university community to hold firm to the values that would make the vision achievable.
“I encourage all members of the University community to remain committed to the values of excellence, integrity, diligence and service. Together, we can build a stronger, more innovative and more globally respected Lagos State University,” the Chancellor said.
The facilities toured during the visit included the Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire Lecture Hall, the Innovation Hub at Awori House, the Aderemi Makanjuola Lecture Theatre, the Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu Library Complex, LASU Radio, the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology Building, the Femi Gbajabiamila Conference Centre, the Students’ Hostel Complex, and the Academic Resource Centre.
Oba Ogunsanwo, who also currently serves as Coordinator for the Southwest on the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, was accompanied on the visit by his wife, Olori Bolanle Ogunsanwo, a distinguished delegation of traditional rulers, and other notable dignitaries.
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The visit came nearly four months after the LASU vice-chancellor led the university management to his palace in Ilara, Epe, following his appointment as the first traditional ruler to serve as the institution’s chancellor.
Click to watch the video of the week below:
