From Cyriacus Nnaji, Lagos
Whereas other universities in Nigeria are still under lock and key due to the Federal Government and Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) face off, Lagos State University (LASU) which has maintained an uninterrupted academic calendar, on Monday, September 5, 2022 matriculated 6,377 students for 2021/2022 academic Session.
In her address, the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello warned the newly admitted students against clandestine behaviours, adding that the school has zero tolerance for cultism. She said “The University has zero tolerance for cultism, examination malpractices, corruption, hooliganism and sexual gender based violence.”
Olatunji-Bello urged the students to report any incident of sexual harassment to the school authority for appropriate action. “Report any form of sexual harassment to the University Centre for Response and Prevention of Sexual and Gender Based Violence. Those found culpable for any of these vices will be dealt with in line with our disciplinary measures. Show respect to your course mates and Staff in the University to make your stay successful and productive. I advise you to make the students’ handbook your companion and relate with the Students’ Affairs Division and your Course Advisers at all times.”
Other bad behaviours which the students must avoid according to the VC include indecent dressing “You must attend lectures regularly, carry out all your assignments, shun deviant behaviors, avoid indecent dressing and other vices that can expose you to danger. Carefully select your friends. Bad friends destroy good habits. Please be security conscious at all times,” she said.
She said their choice to study in the University is a clear indication that they believe in the quality of teaching and learning that the school offers, and assured the new students of quality academic environment. “I want to assure you that you are in for a worthwhile academic experience which impact will last a life time.”
She added that the vision of the university is to make Lasu become the Best University in West Africa and enjoined the students to align themselves with the vision by diligently fulfilling their academic obligations.
The VC stressed on the prioritization of their welfare “Your welfare is top on our priority. We will continue to ensure that your learning environment remains conducive and competitive. Your security in and around the University Campuses is of paramount importance to the University Management.Therefore, we have put in place adequate security measures and also a well-equipped University E-library for your use. We will ensure steady power supply to enable those who wish to study at night to do so comfortably.
“We have a one stop safety application for our students named LASU Monitor Campus Safety APP. Kindly download it from Google Play Store and ensure that you learn how to use it. It will improve your safety in and out of the Campus,” the VC disclosed.
She reiterated the institution’s commitment to 50% refund for students who performed exceedingly well which was intended to ensure healthy academic competition. “In order to promote healthy competition, we have put in place a policy that guarantees fifty per cent (50%) refund of school fees to University Scholars. This is the category of students who consistently maintain a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.50 every session.”
Olatunji-Bello maintained that LASU is a student-centered University “It is important for me to mention that LASU is a student-centered University, a place for grooming generational leaders and a place of freedom. However, at 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 development of your nation and the world. 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.”
