By Helen Okechukwu, JKNewsMedia
BATON OF leadership at Lagos State University, (LASU), changed hands on Friday, September 18, 2026, as Distinguished Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji Bello formally handed over the affairs of the university to Professor Ayodeji Olawunmi Badejo.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that the ceremony, held at the Senate Chamber of the university, brought together members of Management, Senate, principal officers, Deans, Directors and other members of staff to witness the formal conclusion of Olatunji Bello’s five-year administration and the commencement of Badejo’s tenure as the university’s 10th substantive Vice Chancellor.
But beyond the protocols, speeches and formalities, the occasion carried a significance that went deep into the 43-year history of LASU.
For the first time, a female Vice Chancellor was handing over the leadership of the university to another female Vice Chancellor.
It was also a moment that reflected what the university described as one of its most peaceful leadership transitions, underscoring a culture of institutional continuity and orderly succession.
For Olatunji Bello, who had steered the affairs of the institution for five years, the occasion provided an opportunity to look back on an administration shaped by achievements and collective effort.
In her remarks, the outgoing VC expressed appreciation to members of the university community for their support and cooperation throughout her tenure.
She acknowledged the contributions of Management, staff, students, alumni, government and other stakeholders, attributing the progress recorded during her administration to the collective efforts of the university community.
Her message was clear: whatever gains had been recorded were not the work of one person or one office, but the product of a shared commitment to the advancement of the institution.
With the formal handing over, Olatunji Bello brought her administration to a close and passed the responsibility of leading the university to Badejo.
It was a symbolic moment, the end of one chapter, but not the end of the institution’s journey.
Receiving the mantle of leadership, Badejo expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in her and recognised the foundation laid by the outgoing administration.
The new Vice Chancellor pledged to build on the achievements already recorded, while setting her sights on strengthening teaching, research and innovation, staff development, student experience and engagement with the university’s wider community of stakeholders.
She also called for the continued support and cooperation of members of staff and the entire university community, stressing that the growth and advancement of LASU remained a collective responsibility.
JKNewsMedia.com also reports that the atmosphere of the ceremony reflected the character of the transition itself.
There was no rupture between administrations; rather, responsibility was formally transferred from one leadership team to another in a process that placed the interests and continuity of the university above individual tenure.
Staff community noted that for an institution that has evolved significantly since its establishment, the September 18 handover will therefore occupy a distinct place in LASU’s history.
It was not simply a ceremony to mark the departure of one Vice Chancellor and the arrival of another. It was a demonstration of institutional continuity—and a particularly significant one, with two women occupying the centre of a historic leadership transition, excited university community member added.
Promptly, Badejo begins her tenure with her mind set on consolidating existing gains, confronting emerging challenges and advancing LASU’s mandate in teaching, research, innovation and service to society as laid by her predecessor, Bello.
So, the baton has been passed and with it comes a new chapter in the continuing story of LASU, JKNewsMedia.com reports.
—
