Lagos Governor appoints acting Vice- Chancellors for new Universities

The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has appointed acting Vice-Chancellors for the two newly established Universities.

The Universities are; the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, Ikorodu, and Lagos State University of Education, Ijanikin and Epe Campuses.

In a statement, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Education, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, said “Prof. Bidemi Lafiaji-Okunneye, a Professor of Health Education and current Provost of Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education was named the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), Ijanikin and Epe Campuses.”

He stated further that Dr. Nurudeen Olaleye, a PhD holder in Microbiology and current Rector, Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH) Ikorodu, would serve as the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUST), Ikorodu.

Wahab noted that Professor Lafiaji-Okuneye would be assisted by Dr. Nosiru Onibon as Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor. an Associate Professor and current Provost of Michael Otedola College of Primary Education (MOCPED) now University of Education, Epe.

He explained that “Dr. Olumide Metilelu, Chief Lecturer, Hospitality Management Technology would serve as LASUST’s Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), while Dr. Gbemavo Kolawole Godonu, LASPOTECH’s current Deputy Rector (Administration) will serve as the Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUST) respectively.”

Stating that the two Acting Vice-Chancellors and other Management Heads would serve in acting capacity for a period of 90days, Wahab said that “the appointments would hold from 1st March to 29th May 2022, pending the selection of substantive Vice-Chancellors and Principal Officers of the Universities.”

He stressed that the appointments became necessary to close leadership vacuum, to ensure that peace and stability are maintained in the institutions during the transition period.

The Special Adviser said: “The appointments are also in compliance with Section 4, Subsection (1) (C) and Section 14 Subsection (1) (A) and (B) of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology Law 2021 and Section 8 Subsection (1) (C) and (D) of the Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) Law, 2021 respectively.”

“The appointments of Acting Vice-Chancellors and other Management Heads for our new Universities are not only in accordance with the laws establishing them, but they will also serve to provide academic and administrative leadership to the Universities, including representing them externally, both within and outside the State,” he stated.o

Congratulating the new appointees, Wahab urges them to consider the appointments as a call to duty.

He also advised them to deploy their experience and rich academic pedigree in putting the institutions on a good foundation.

Mercy Chukwudiebere