VC Charges Freshers on Excellence & Character Development as LASU Matriculates 14,893 students

The Vice-Chancellor, Lagos State University, Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola OLATUNJI-BELLO, mni, NPOM, has charged the newly admitted students of the Lagos State University to pursue excellence and cultivate strong moral character as the foundation for their academic and professional lives. 

The Vice-Chancellor, Lagos State University (LASU), Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, has charged newly admitted students to pursue excellence and cultivate strong moral character as the foundation for their academic and professional journey.

This charge was delivered on Monday, 1st December 2025, during the matriculation ceremony for the 14,893 students admitted for the 2025/2026 academic session. The event took place at the Buba Marwa Auditorium, LASU Main Campus, Ojo, Lagos.

Professor Olatunji-Bello congratulated the students selected from over 70,000 applicants, noting that they had gained admission into a university ranked the best in West Africa by UI Greenmetric and recognised as Nigeria’s most digitally innovative state university. She described LASU as a “world-class university” committed to building world-class leaders.

The Vice-Chancellor emphasised the university’s commitment to student welfare and campus security, assuring students of a safe and conducive learning environment. She encouraged the prompt reporting of any issues that may arise.

She further reiterated LASU’s zero-tolerance policy for misconduct, including:

▪ Cultism
▪ Examination malpractice
▪ Indecent dressing
▪ Sexual and gender-based violence

Earlier, the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Dr. Abiodun Fatai-Abatan, urged the freshers to take full advantage of the university’s academic opportunities. He highlighted essential habits for success:

▪ Effective time management
▪ Regular class attendance
▪ Financial intelligence
▪ Commitment to continuous self-development

He also cautioned students against antisocial behaviours.

Dr. Samson Olusegun Oyefolu, a lecturer in the Department of Political Science, delivered an inspiring motivational address. He advised students to harness their talents, build resilient character, and choose mentors wisely, warning:

“Do not choose a mentor who will kill your shine. Such a person is not a mentor, but a tormentor.”

He noted that while talent opens doors, character keeps them open, stressing the importance of self-awareness, preparation, and learning from failure.

A major highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of a special award of appreciation to Dr. Samson Olusegun Oyefolu by the Vice-Chancellor in recognition of his impactful contribution.

The ceremony was attended by key officers of the university, including:

▪ Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Professor Oseni Afisi
▪ Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Oluwatoyin Enikuomehin
▪ University Registrar, Mr. Emmanuel A. Fanu
▪ University Bursar, Mr. Said Babatunde Olayinka (represented by Mr. Olabisi Yusuf)
▪ University Librarian, Dr. Omawumi Makinde

Also in attendance were officials from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), principal officers of the Lagos State University College of Medicine, deans of faculties, directors, staff members, family members, and well-wishers.

The event featured musical performances, poetry, and artistic displays by students from the Department of Music, showcasing LASU’s vibrant creative community.

Professor Olatunji-Bello ended her address with optimism, expressing confidence that the university would gather again in the future to celebrate the successful convocation of all newly matriculated students.

We are LASU, We are Great!