From Cyriacus Nnaji, Nnaji
Following her appointment as the 9th Substantive Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University by the Governor of Lagos State and Visitor to University, on Thursday 16th September, 2021, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, on Monday, 20th September, 2021 assumed duty to a grand reception by members of staff, students, and other members of the University Community.
As early as 7am, eager stakeholders were already gathering in front of the Babatunde Raji Fashola Senate Building in anticipation of the arrival of the Professor of Physiology who served, ten years ago, as Acting Vice Chancellor of the University.
At 8am, Prof. Olatunji-Bello arrived on the expansive Campus of the University in Ojo, to a carnival-like reception from students who were adorned in a purple t-shirt with the inscription “31st LASUSU welcomes Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, 9th Vice Chancellor of LASU”.
The jubilant students, who were soon joined by other members of the LASU Community escorted her vehicle from the Iba gate to the Babatunde Raji Fashola Senate Building from where she would administer the University for the next five years.
Loud chants of welcome songs and dance rend the air as she alighted from the black jeep conveying her, waved to the crowd and immediately entered the reception hall of the Senate building where members of the University Management were waiting. After warmly exchanging pleasantries with the Acting VC, Prof. Oyedamola Oke, and other members of the University Management, she was immediately accompanied to her office through the elevator.
For close to one hour afterwards, worship songs and prayers were actively rendered to usher her into her new office and commit her reign to the hands of God. This was followed by photograph sessions as everyone present made efforts to snap with the new Vice Chancellor.
Perhaps, to show their significance to her Administration, the first Professor of Physiology in the University soon made her way back to the front of the Senate Building where she delivered her first address as Vice Chancellor, first to the students, and then, to waiting members of staff.
In her address to the students, Prof. Olatunji-Bello said their welfare is uppermost on her mind adding that her Administration would create more opportunities for their advancement.
“Your welfare is important to me. We will ensure that the learning environment is conducive and competitive and we will provide the infrastructure for you. We will also ensure University scholars awards is revamped. All university scholars will get 50% refund of their school fees yearly. We will also provide studentship employment opportunities”, she said to a loud ovation from the students.
In her address to the staff afterwards, she sought their active support and cooperation for her administration and called for peace to continue to reign.
“I want to thank you for giving me this warm welcome. I promise that your welfare will be paramount to me and you will get whatever is due to you. All your allowances will be paid. However, I want to seek your support and urge that we all allow peace to reign for the good of our University”, she enthused before returning to her office to commence meetings with various stakeholders of the university, including staff and students’ unions.
Prof. Olatunji-Bello’s appointment by the institution’s Visitor took effect from Friday, 17th September, 2021.
