Hon. Sule (with plaque) and management during the event.
By Cyriacus Nnaji
The Lagos State Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hon. Tolani Sule, has disclosed that arrangements are on top gear for the commencement of academic activities at the Lagos State University of Medicine.
Sule added that admission of students into the latest addition to the bouquet of universities in Lagos State would kick start in September of 2024.
The Honourable Commissioner made the disclosure at the maiden edition of the Public Lecture organised by the Lagos State Postgraduate School, LASU chapter in conjunction with Global Association of Postgraduate Students (GAPOGS).
The event which took place at the Makanjuola Lecture Theatre, at the Main Campus at Ojo, on the 6th of April, 2024 has the theme: Connecting Gown and Town and with the topic Renewed Hope Agenda: The Role of the Academia.
The commissioner stated that the new university was designed for medicine and other related medical courses, adding that the university makes it the fourth university being established by the Lagos State government.
Hon Sule stressed that the move by the state government in establishing the university is to address the Japa syndrome and the issue of inadequate allocation given to Lagos State in the admission process. “This is part of the steps taken by the Lagos State Government to solve the problem in the gap created by the Japa syndrome and the low quota allocated to Lagos in the field of medicine.”
He said the theme of the lecture, connecting town and gown underscored the importance of the relationship between the academic institutions and the surrounding communities. “The concept of town and gown, I like the symbiotic partnership between the university and the society, emphasizing collaboration and mutual support.
“Today our esteemed guest speakers will get deeper into the renewed hope agenda, and the role of the academia. This agenda by our President, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, embodies our aspiration as a nation for a better future. The academia plays a pivotal role in shaping and realizing this future,” he stated
Hon. Sule added that the academia serves as a catalyst for societal transformation and progress through research, innovation, education, adding that university can contribute significantly to the renewed hope agenda. “Our academic institutions are hubs of knowledge creation, and dissemination, by conducting cutting edge researches and disseminating findings, the academic can provide valuable insight and solutions to address the pressing challenges facing our nation.
“The university can help to achieve the renewed hope agenda through policy advocacy and implementation, universities can play a crucial role in advocating evidence based policies and supporting their implementation; collaboration with policy makers and stakeholders, the academia can inform policy decisions and contribute to effective governance.”
He made recommendations that could fully leverage on the potential of the academia in advancing the renewed hope agenda, “I propose the following recommendations, strengthening research and innovation ecosystem, enhance funding and support for research and innovation initiatives to foster breakthrough for technological advancement. Two, promote industry and academia collaboration just like what we have in discourse today, town and gown. This is to facilitate partnership between the academia and industry to drive innovation, technological transfer and entrepreneurship that would bring about commercialization and economic growth.
He also suggested investment in curriculum development, compulsory training, and infrastructure to ensure that education remains valuable to the need of society and the demands of the labour market, among other suggestions.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, represented by the Dean, Communication and Media Studies, Prof. Olayinka Olawode, on her part, made it clear that universities and research institutions play key role in shaping the future of society. “As we delve into the discussion of the role of academia in advancing a renewed hope agenda, it is important to recognize the significant impact that universities and research institutions can have on shaping the future of our society. It is through the collective efforts of academia, government, and industry that we can address the pressing challenges facing our world and pave the way for a brighter tomorrow.”
She added that the renewed hope agenda is the pivot upon which the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu rode into power and is building his policies and actions to engender positive development in the country and the life of Nigerians as a whole. She said that while the government might have its plans and programmes in place, one would agree that academia’s role in the actualization of a better nation cannot be overstated. “Policies that stimulate sustained improvement in citizens’ lives are built on sound research and driven by innovations. For the academia, our role is crucial in carrying out research, driving innovation, generating knowledge, and fostering critical thinking among the leaders. By engaging with communities, policymakers, and industry stakeholders, academics can contribute to the development of evidence-based solutions that address complex societal problems and promote sustainable development.”
Speaking on what the university is doing to connect town and gown, she said “In the context of Lagos State University, we are committed to nurturing a vibrant community of scholars and researchers who are dedicated to making a positive impact on society. Through our postgraduate programs, we strive to equip our students with the skills, knowledge, and values needed to address the pressing challenges facing our world and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in their respective fields.
”As we embark on this journey of exploration and discovery, let us remember the important role that academia plays in shaping the future of our society. Let us embrace our responsibility as scholars and researchers to engage with the broader community and work towards a renewed hope agenda that promotes social justice, equity, and sustainable development for all,” Prof Olatunji Bello stated.
Dean Postgraduate studies, Prof. Ibrahim Olateju while addressing the august audience said that the Postgraduate Studies of the institution has come of age as it was established in 1996 and at present has a total number of 320 programs, across various schools, faculties, colleges, among others and include professional masters degrees, academic masters degrees, doctor of philosophy and professional doctorate degrees.
Speaking on the array of products of the school he said “I am proud to learn that across our Postgraduate School are captains of industry and renowned politicians. House of Assembly members, House of Representatives members, they are all in LASU, that is what LASU has done for them and they are promoting LASU in all areas. I can count about four local government chairmen, they are in LASU.”
He also told the audience that virtually all the procedures in the school of Postgraduate studies in LASU have been digitised, “Hard copies of our documents have been scanned for easy accessibility.” He assured that those looking for transcripts would get them in less than two weeks; otherwise they should call his number. He also stressed that transcripts are sent to institutions and not to individuals.
Olateju said that as part of the school’s contribution to national development the school has decided to join the conversation on the renewed hope a
