Behold LASU’s New Vice-Chancellor: Sanwo-Olu Appoints Prof. Badejo

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has approved the appointment of Professor Ayodeji Olawunmi Badejo as the new Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University, succeeding Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, whose five-year tenure has expired.

Badejo, a Professor of Guidance and Counselling and a UNILAG alumna, becomes the third female to occupy the institution’s highest office.

A Succession of Excellence

ValidViewNetwork gathered that Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has approved the appointment of Professor Ayodeji Olawunmi Badejo as the new Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU).

The appointment was announced in a statement issued on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, by the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso.

Badejo, a distinguished academic, takes over from Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, who has completed her five-year tenure as the institution’s first substantive female Vice-Chancellor.

A Profile of the New Vice-Chancellor

Professor Badejo, whose maiden name is Faji, was born on August 4, 1962. She is a Professor of Guidance and Counselling, and holds a PhD in Guidance and Counselling as well as a Master of Education degree in the same field from the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

She becomes the third female to occupy the office of Vice-Chancellor of LASU. The institution was established in 1983 and remains one of Lagos State’s flagship public universities.

A Legacy of Transformation

Professor Olatunji-Bello recently bowed out of office after five years at the helm of the university, highlighting the achievements of her administration during her final convocation address.

She proudly stated that LASU recorded a 96 per cent success rate in its first-year accreditation exercise, with 31 of the 37 programmes presented securing full accreditation.

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Under her leadership, the university’s internally generated revenue also witnessed a remarkable surge from N3 billion to N13 billion during her tenure.

Olatunji-Bello described her tenure as one that transformed LASU into “the most subscribed university in Nigeria and the most digitally advanced among our peers,” leaving behind “a university of proven excellence” after inheriting “a university of strong potential”.

A Lesson for Nigeria

The smooth transition of leadership at LASU is a testament to the importance of institutional continuity and academic excellence.

The same politicians who celebrate these achievements must ensure that the university continues to receive the support it needs to thrive.

For Nigeria, the lesson is clear: investing in education is investing in the future.

Demand accountability. Support academic institutions. And never forget that a nation’s greatness is measured by the quality of its universities.