From Cyriacus Nnaji, Lagos
Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, the Vice Chancellor, Lagos State University (LASU) has warned students of the institution against Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
She said “I must also stress that the University under my administration has zero tolerance for Sexual and Gender based violence, and that informed our decision to establish the Directorate of Response and Preventive of Sexual and Gender based violence. Do not keep silent when you are harassed or assaulted in any manner.”
The Vice Chancellor made the disclosures in her address at the Matriculation Ceremony for the 2024/2025 newly admitted students of the institution, which was held at the Buba Marwa Auditorium of the institution’s main campus in Ojo, on Tuesday, 18th February, 2025.
Prof Olatunji-Bello further disclosed that a total number of 12,590 were admitted in the 2024/2025 academic year out of over 50,000 applicants that subscribed to the University.
While commending the newly admitted students, she maintained that they should count themselves lucky for being offered admission in the university and urged them to be law abiding. “You must count yourselves very lucky to be among the very few that was admitted. It is on this note that I will advise you to face your studies so as not to lose the huge opportunity of getting University education.”
On issue of the university rules and disciplinary measures, the VC said, “As young men and women desirous of a brighter future, it is expected that you abide with the rules and regulations of the University and be committed to your studies: be regular in attending lectures; carry out all your assignments; shun deviant behaviors; avoid indecent dressing; carefully select your friends, bad friends destroy good habits; the university has zero tolerance for cultism; avoid examination malpractices, do away with corruption and hooliganism and other vices that can expose you to danger as those found culpable will be dealt with in line with our disciplinary mechanisms,” she stated.
The Vice Chancellor, while noting that Lagos State University is a student-centered institution, dedicated to nurturing and grooming the next generation of leaders, embracing the principles of academic freedom, fostering an environment that encourages critical thinking and creativity, also warned the new students that every freedom has its responsibility and boundaries.
She said “In LASU that freedom often comes with equivalent obligations and boundaries. We take pride in training students for life. We are focused on character development of our students. This is based on the hope that when you graduate, you will contribute meaningfully to developmental discourses around the globe. Our objective at the Lagos State University is to produce graduates who will be catalysts to the process of transformation of the State to a Greater Lagos.
The Vice Chancellor maintained that welfare of both staff and students remained the greatest priority of the institution. “As I mentioned during your orientation program, your welfare remains our top priority. We are committed to ensuring that your learning environment remains conducive, competitive and secure. Please be assured that your safety within and around the University campus are of utmost importance to the University Management, hence we have put in place adequate security measures and I urge you to report any suspicious activities to the University authority immediately and we will response promptly.”
The Vice Chancellor formally welcomed the new students to the University of First Choice in Nigeria. “I extend my warmest congratulations to each of you who have been offered admission to our prestigious institution, the University of First Choice. Notably, our university ranks 9th Overall among 298 universities in Nigeria, and has been recognized as the best university in West Africa according to Greenmetrics. Furthermore, best use of Technology (E-Learning) State University, Excellent in Digital Transformation State University.”
She also showered her heartfelt congratulation to the parents, guardians, family members and well-wishers, whose unwavering support and dedication have played a significant role in helping the matriculating students to achieve their dreams of pursuing a high quality education.
Those present at the event include Deputy Vice Chancellor, (Academic) Professor Oseni Taiwo Afisi; Deputy Vice Chancellor, (Administration) Professor Adenike Boyo; the University Registrar, Mr. Emmanuel Fanu; the University Bursar Mr. Saidi Babatunde Olayinka; the University Librarian Dr. Omawunmi Makinde; Deans of Faculties and Schools; Ag. Dean, Students’ Affairs; Directors of Centers, and all Heads of Department.
