Sanwo-Olu Inaugurates New LASU Governing Council, Sets Agenda for University’s Next Phase

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday formally inaugurated the newly appointed Chairman and members of the Lagos State University (LASU) Governing Council at Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, ushering in a fresh chapter in the governance of the state-owned institution.

The ceremony, held in the Executive Council Chambers, drew a wide gathering of top government functionaries, senior academics, policymakers and stakeholders from the education sector. The governor said the reconstitution of the Governing Council was crucial to sustaining LASU’s growth trajectory, strengthening its internal systems and preserving its status as one of Nigeria’s most competitive public universities. Sanwo-Olu, while addressing the new council members, emphasized that their appointment was a “call to duty” and not a ceremonial privilege. He noted that the task ahead requires experience, discipline, strategic thinking and an unwavering commitment to the development of higher education in Lagos State. According to him, LASU has grown significantly over the past decade—expanding in population, academic programmes, research output and infrastructural projects—therefore necessitating a governing council capable of managing the complexities of a fast-evolving institution. He urged the new leadership to provide the direction needed to improve academic quality, strengthen governance practices and promote stability within the university community. The governor also highlighted the crucial role of the Governing Council in ensuring industrial harmony on campus, especially at a time when Nigerian universities continue to battle challenges around funding, staff welfare, innovation and global competition. He charged the appointees to work in synergy with the management, led by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, to sustain peace and accelerate development. You must justify the confidence reposed in you by offering leadership that transforms LASU into a stronger, more resilient and globally acknowledged institution,” Sanwo-Olu said. “This administration remains committed to supporting LASU’s progress, but your stewardship will determine how far we can go within the next few years. The inauguration also provided an opportunity for the governor to outline his administration’s broader goals for tertiary education in the state. He stressed that Lagos is investing heavily in infrastructure, digitalization, research partnerships and capacity-building to position its educational institutions for regional and global relevance. He urged the newly inaugurated council to key into these strategic priorities. In their acceptance remarks, representatives of the Governing Council pledged to uphold transparency, fairness and accountability in the discharge of their duties. They assured the governor and the people of Lagos that they would work towards making LASU a model of academic excellence and effective governance. The event was attended by the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, the Secretary to the State Government, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, the Head of Service, lawmakers, top officials of the Ministry of Education, and senior members of the university community. With their inauguration now complete, the governing council members are expected to assume full responsibilities immediately, including oversight of university policies, financial management, academic standards, institutional growth and long-term strategic planning. The ceremony marks an important milestone in the administration’s continued efforts to reposition the state’s tertiary institutions, with stakeholders expressing optimism that the new council will bring renewed stability, innovation and progress to Lagos State University.