Don't Rush Decisions, Outgoing LASU VC Tells Successor Badejo

The outgoing Vice-Chancellor of 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 in Ojo during an interaction with journalists, offering a parting counsel that captured the delicate balance required to lead one of Nigeria's most prominent state-owned universities. Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, had on Thursday announced the appointment of Badejo as the new Vice-Chancellor, succeeding Olatunji-Bello, whose five-year tenure elapses on September 19, 2026. The new Vice-Chancellor, a professor of Guidance and Counselling, is billed to assume office on September 21.

Speaking with the reflective authority of a leader who has completed a full five-year term, Olatunji-Bello urged Badejo to exercise patience in leading the university while stressing that patience should not be mistaken for hesitation in taking decisions. "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," Olatunji-Bello said. "But whatever needs to be done, Prof. Badejo should do it. Be courageous."

The outgoing Vice-Chancellor also urged the incoming leader to prioritise the welfare of members of staff and students, describing both as key to the progress of the university. 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," Olatunji-Bello said. "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 expressed optimism about the future of the institution under Badejo's leadership, declaring with confidence that LASU would continue its upward trajectory. "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, who was born on August 4, 1962, obtained a PhD in Guidance and Counselling as well as a Master of Education degree in Guidance and Counselling from the University of Lagos. She began her academic qualifications with a Nigeria Certificate in Education in 1983, followed by a Bachelor of Education degree in 1986 and a Master's degree in 1988. She has supervised 23 PhD graduates and is a professor of Counselling Psychology with more than three decades of experience in university teaching, research, administration and academic development.

Olatunji-Bello bows out of office after five years, highlighting achievements that have significantly transformed the university's profile. She noted that LASU is now "the most subscribed university in Nigeria and the most digitally advanced among our peers," a claim that reflects the institution's growing reputation for innovation and accessibility. She also boasted of seeing the increase in the Internally Generated Revenue of the school from N3bn to N13bn during her tenure, a more than fourfold increase that speaks to improved financial sustainability and resource management.

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. The achievement underscores the university's commitment to academic quality and its capacity to meet the rigorous standards set by the National Universities Commission. Among her other milestones, she cited the establishment of LASU as a TETFund Centre of Excellence and the promotion of 127 academic staff to the rank of Professor, developments that have strengthened the institution's research capacity and academic standing.

The smooth transition from Olatunji-Bello to Badejo marks a significant moment for LASU, which has navigated a period of growth and consolidation under its outgoing leader. As Badejo prepares to assume office, she inherits a university that has raised its financial profile, expanded its academic programmes, and reinforced its digital infrastructure. However, she also inherits the perennial challenges of staff welfare, student needs and the expectations of a state government that has invested significant resources in the institution.

The counsel from Olatunji-Bello—to be patient but courageous, to prioritise welfare, and to build on the achievements of the past five years—offers a roadmap for the incoming Vice-Chancellor as she embarks on her own journey of leadership. For LASU's staff, students and stakeholders, the hope is that the transition will be seamless and that the university's remarkable momentum will continue unabated. As Olatunji-Bello put it, "LASU will be greater than it is now," a sentiment that captures both the pride of a departing leader and the promise of a new chapter under Badejo's stewardship.