Last March 23, 2017, Lagosians and Nigerians from all walks of life converged at Ojo Local Government area to witness the 21st convocation ceremony of the Lagos State University (LASU), now rated as the best state university in the federation.
Remembering the jungle years of LASU and the years of trouble in that institution, it was a strikingly different picture on this 2017 convocation, LASU has become so neat, so peaceful and so beautifully transformed infrastructurally such that guests were gladdened by what they saw.
A friendly student and staff population welcomed visitors to the convocation in a most humble and polite manner as the institution hosted the convocation of post graduates and those honoured with doctorate degrees.
For this reporter, whose four (4) children all graduated from LASU, it was a nostalgic feeling judging from what has transpired between the 1980/90’s and now.
LASU of the 80’s and 90s was like a glorified secondary school in terms of infrastructure; today, the story is different. The university is a beauty to behold, a wonderful ivory tower in the South West of the country.
Though LASU had the best law faculty in the country in the past, its history was marred by cultism and unrest of all kinds, but today, peace prevails to enhance academic progress. The spate of cultism, which claimed lives almost every month or quarter in the past, has given way to a harmonious co-existence of students and staff of the institution.
The exit of the last Vice Chancellor of the institution Prof. John Obafuwa ushered in a pacific atmosphere in LASU. Under this Pathologist Vice Chancellor, the school witnessed a lot of ugly challenges culminating in its closure for a very long period. When the school was eventually reopened, Prof. Obafuwa could not enter the campus. He operated from Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) premises at Ikeja until he was replaced.
When this reporter arrived the main campus of LASU for this convocation, the first person he met on alighting from his car was the current Vice Chancellor, Professor Olanrewaju A. Fagbohun, Ph.D. This Chief Executive Officer of the university was exceptionally humble, polite and friendly. He embraced and welcomed me warmly to his office, where I met my kinsman/brother, Prof. Adebayo Ninalowo, the Chairman of the Governing Council of the university.
The two top functionaries of LASU and other officers hosted me and a few other guests on ground for more than thirty (30) minutes as they moved around to ensure that other arrangements were in order and other arriving guests were properly welcomed.
Satisfied that everything was moving well, the Vice Chancellor came back to his office and joined those of us throwing banters and taking photographs, We were pleased with this Vice Chancellor, a young man in his late forties, who is well comported and evidently competent on the big job he is handling, complimented by a cerebral Chairman of the governing council and loyal staffers.
Satisfied that the seat arrangements, all logistics and protocol details had been taken care of, the stage was set to honour four distinguished Nigerians: Aliko Dangote, Prof. Peter Adebunkola, Mrs. Folorunsho Alakija and (Chief) Sir Kessington Adebutu (Baba Ijebu) with doctorate degrees while many others will receive their post graduate diplomas, masters and doctor of philosophy degrees. The convocation for first degree and ordinary diplomas had taken place a day earlier.
This post graduate convocation ceremony was scheduled to hold at the Senate building. Everything was set. Three out of four Nigerians to receive honourary doctorate degrees were already around. Only Aliko Dangote had indicated he would not be around hence he had deferred receiving his own in 2018 saying he would not like to send a proxy knowing how undignified it would be for such a great honour bestowed on him. He would want to physically receive the award next year.
A special bus had been provided to convey the guests and honourees to the venue from the vice chancellor’s office. Among the guests conveyed were white cap chiefs from Lagos Island.
The venue wore an extra ordinarily beautiful look. The interior and external decorations, the seat arrangements and the atmosphere were fantastic. It was obvious that LASU has indeed exalted itself and can now compete with global university standards in all spheres.
By 11:30a.m, the big players for the day had entered the hall, notably Prof. Ninalowo, Governing Council chairman, the Vice Chancellor; the Deputy Governor of the state and later, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, the Visitor.
Other deputies (chancellor), Deans of Faculties, Registrars, Management and Academic staff, the Honourary Doctorate Degree candidates, the post graduates, the traditional rulers, captains of industries, Visiting chancellors and Vice Chancellors etc. had all taken their seats ready for the flag off. The Oba of Lagos, His Majesty, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, who led other traditional rulers, was already seated at the high table as at the time of the commencement of the programme.
The convocation began with a grand academic procession by the graduands, the academic and non-academic staff, the governing council members, the University Senate members, visiting Chancellors/Vice Chancellors, etc. The procession was a display of brilliant multi-colours of academic gowns, caps and other insignias of learning, showing the various disciplines and universities represented.
The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Idiat Adebule, an alumnus of LASU, was also in the procession as the Visitor, Governor Ambode.
The three honourees – Sir (Dr.) Kessington Adebutu (Baba Ijebu) a renowned philanthropist, Mrs. Folorunsho Alakija, the richest woman in Africa, and former Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Prof. Peter Adebunkola were also in the procession. More than thirty six (36,000) graduates were convocated for the two day ceremony at the institution.
Flamboyant Adebutu at 81 was accompanied by his wife, his son, Oladipo and the son’s wife.
As the main ceremony kicked off, visiting Chancellors/Vice chancellors and representatives of sister institutions began to read out their goodwill messages to LASU. Each of them appreciated the State Governor, Ambode, the Governing Council of LASU, the Vice Chancellor, the academic and management staff and the graduating students for their achievements. In flowery languages couched with brilliance, LASU was exalted by their contemporaries, who praised the good works the state government and the institution are doing.
LASU’s Chancellor, Hon. Justice Adesola Oguntade addressed the gathering as he congratulated the graduands on their academic success. He appreciated the school authorities for their collective achievements as well as thanked Governor Ambode for his robust support for the institution and the massive infrastructural improvements in the school. According to him, the capital inflow and the quantum of development in LASU puts the university on the same pedestal as other globally rated universities. He cited the recently accredited School of Dentistry as one of the interventions of Governor Ambode to uplift the university.
Finally, he commended the governing council, the management and entire staff of LASU for their laudable achievements. He predicted that with what is happening in this university, LASU will soon be ranked among the best in the country and the world.
It was now the turn of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olarenwaju Fagbohun to speak. He told the gathering that LASU had been steadfast over the years in consolidating its enviable position as a preferred center of learning and undisputed source of highly skilled and qualitative manpower in Nigeria.
He thanked the Visitor, Governor Ambode for his great support and his resolve to take LASU to greater heights.
He appreciated the staff and students of the institution for their unquestionable loyalty and cooperation. According to him, “Today, going by our ranking as the best state university in 2016, our university has been recognised as the center for research and learning and undisputable source of highly skilled and qualitative manpower.”
Within the past few years, the school, he said, has turned young students into highly rated graduates while LASU’s goal remains to make these young ones responsible and successful adults. Graduates of LASU, he added, now have the cutting edge and the capacity to contribute meaningfully and positively to the entire society.
Earlier on, Oba Akiolu had showered encomiums on Prof. Peter Okebukola. Oba Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos called him out and revealed that Okebukola is the son of a police officer.
Oba Akiolu said Okebukola’s father was a cadet officer under him. This was when the monarch was a police officer before providence made him a first class monarch. The award was first of its kind in the history of the 34-year-old institution and Okebukola was the first to be honoured with it.
Eulogising Okebukola, Oba Akiolu said he would have turned down the invitation to attend the event due to his tight schedule, but when he realised that Okebukola was to be honoured, he got more interested in it. According to him, he was invited by one of his chiefs.
“When one of my chiefs in Lagos invited me (to LASU), I was initially glad to be here, but when he mentioned that Peter Okebukola was to be honoured, I became more interested,” he said.
The monarch recalled his relationship with Okebukola’s father: “And this is food for thought for us all that prayer and dedication pay. His (Okebukola’s) father worked under me as a cadet officer. He was very prayerful and highly disciplined.
He was an elderly person and older than me; yet, he was very humble. He descended so low in his relationship with me. He would say to me every morning: ‘Oga, let us pray’.
He always believed in prayers and thought good of everybody. I remember he once told me that I would be the Inspector-General, but I rejected it because I do not want anybody to start dictating to me on what to do. And this is why I usually say that every nation gets the police it deserves.
Who would have known that the son of a common police officer would rise to become a distinguished professor today?”
Looking straight into Okebukola’s eyes, the monarch said: “It’s about 20 years that I last set my eyes on you. That is why I chose to be here to see you. It’s unfortunate that your father is now late. I wish he were still alive to see the results of those prayers then.”
The Vice Chancellor congratulated the three honourees for doctorate degrees present, describing them as distinguished Nigerians, who have contributed immensely to humanity and to LASU.
Prof. Okebukola, a world class scholar, bagged the doctorate degree as a distinguished Professor. Next was Chief (Sir) Dr. Kessington Adebutu, who was honoured with Doctor of Science in Communication.
The Vice Chancellor explained that Dr. Adebutu single handedly built and installed the radio station in LASU, which is now disseminating (broadcasting) to the university community and outside it. The eighty one (81) year old philanthropist, he said, has great passion and support for education and health. He holds honourary awards from local and international bodies, including one of such awards recently from K. C. International University in South Korea, which gave him an honourary degree. Another award is said to be in the pipeline from the University of Ibadan for a man, whose kindness spread across the country.
Then came the investiture of Mrs. Folorusho Alakija, acclaimed as the richest woman in Africa. She netted a doctorate degree in Arts and Humanities.
She was the one, who gave the acceptance speech and vote of thanks on behalf of the three honoured with degrees.
She thanked Governor Ambode as well as the university authorities for the recognition given to them and promised to reciprocate within the limits of their abilities by being good ambassadors of LASU.
Though she did not promise any specific thing she would do for the institution, those who know her well believe she would support LASU as she did in similar institutions in Ekiti and Niger States and elsewhere.
In a paper titled, “Investing in Education – Impact on National Development, Mrs. Alakija wants government to invest massively in qualitative education since this is a major determinant of national growth. She said that this is evidenced by the recent ranking of LASU as the best state university in the country and the strive by the university to become the overall best in the nation in the nearest future.
She thanked Governor Ambode, the Governing Council of the university and the entire university community for the honour given to them and said they appreciate it.
In his own speech, the Chairman of the Governing Council, the erudite scholar from Ikorodu, Prof. Adebayo Ninalowo, rocked the audience with laughter and serious talk. He kept injecting humour, which made Governor Ambode and those at the high table to laugh most of the time. The brilliant scholar, who spoke in impeccable English and pleasing diction, thanked Governor Ambode for his unflinching support for LASU, especially in the area of infrastructural development.
He rolled out the achievements of the governing council in the past one year, overlapping the serious progress made with jokes, which kept the guests laughing in joy.
Also, Professor Adebayo Ninalowo lauded Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, for remaining committed to his promise of improving infrastructure in LASU.
“Your Excellency, we want to especially thank you for matching your words with action. It would be recalled that at the 20th Convocation last year, you gave us your word to invest massively in our university, with a proviso of sustenance of peace and stability.”
To members of the Governing Council, we say a big thank you. You are indeed spectacular and marvelous collegial goal-getter.
Your Excellency, in the last one year, the Governing Council has assiduously worked very hard to ensure that some inherited lingering issues that hitherto had degenerated into crises, particularly those that boarder around staff welfare, had been considered and addressed. The results are self-evident.
Keeping in line with the vision of strategic expansion and qualitative academic research, the University has expanded its frontiers with the establishment of the following programmes,
VIZ.:
- Lagos State University School of Agriculture at Epe;
- Lagos State University Pre-Degree Studies at Epe;
iii. Advanced level JUPEB Programme at Badagry.
These programmes will undoubtedly provide opportunities for the youth of Lagos State and beyond, who desire qualitative tertiary education.”
At this juncture, we cannot but overtly commend and profoundly appreciate the University Management under the effective pragmatic leadership of the divinely anointed Vice Chancellor, Professor Olanrewaju Adigun Fagbohun, for the resilience in executing the LASU project along the path of global standard of excellence. Role models are to encourage, advice and mentor younger people in taking decisive steps that will lead them to the actualization of their dreams.
Indeed, the University Management has taken measures in that regard by organizing various programmes of international standard, where seasoned, renowned professionals and captains of industry had been invited to share their experiences with our Staff and Students. One of such programmes was the first Lagos State University Distinguished Lecture Series Titled: “Entrepreneurship: The Challenges and Opportunities for Nigeria’s Future Leaders,” held on November 16, 2016 with Mr. Tony O. Elumelu as Guest Lecturer.
Similarly, the University’s Discovery Lecture Series with the topic: “Can Nigeria Survive another Century as a Corporate Entity?” with Chief J.B. Oke as Guest Speaker and the Honourable Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed as Chairman of the Day, has been scheduled for April, this year.
Your Excellency, it would interest you to note that our medical students came first at the National Inter-Medical School Quiz Competition held at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in November, 2016. This is just one of the numerous accolades too many to mention that students have won for the University.
It is also pertinent that this university has again been rated as primus interperes (that is number l) amongst State-owned universities in Nigeria. That is, Lagos State University is adjudged to be on the right track of excellence.
With a view of easing transportation for students and staff, the university management has entered into a bilateral agreement with the Lagos State Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) to extend their services to LASU in the Morning and Evenings in order to ease the problem of transportation for both Staff and Students of the University.
We also use this opportunity to express our deep appreciation to the Federal Government for the Interventions such as Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TET Fund), and NEEDS Assessment.
Similar appreciation goes to Nigerian Universities Commission, Joint Admission Examination Board and other agencies of government for their support to our university.
Also, the Honorary Awardees today are hereby deeply appreciated for accepting their well-deserved awards – Congratulations!
Finally, thank you all very much for coming and for your attention.”
Now, it was the turn of Governor Ambode to address the convocation. He congratulated the honourees and the graduating students, urging the post graduates to continue to aspire higher and be good ambassadors of the university.
Governor Ambode confirmed the ongoing work on the six thousand (6,000) bed hostels in LASU.
According to him, “It is my pleasure to be here at this 21st convocation. I am particularly happy to be the Visitor of this great institution. For me, today provides me a unique opportunity to share in the celebration and have a firsthand assessment of the progress we have made in our transformation plan of this university.
I appreciate the efforts of the distinguished personalities, who make up the governing council, and salute the dedicated professionalism with which you have conducted the affairs of this institution.
Last year, the National Universities Commission ranked LASU the best state university in Nigeria and the 11th best in the country in general. The next step, which is my challenge to the Governing Council, the management and entire staff, is to move LASU to be the best in Nigeria by the year 2025 and to make it the most preferred institution of learning in the country.
He reminded the graduands of the promise he made last year to upgrade the infrastructure in the institution to global standards provided they maintained peace in the university. One of the results of this promise, which has been fulfilled, is the accreditation of the school of Dentistry, the first of its kind in the country and the six thousand (6,000) bed hostel, among other infrastructures.”
Governor Ambode promised to continue to invest in LASU’s physical development, and told the audience that they will see more projects in the future and a changing landscape of the institution in the coming months.
“It’s worthy to mention that Lagos State University effectively hosted and provided necessary facilities for the training of final year students across our tertiary institutions in the state during the 13-week intensive training tagged: ‘Ready, set, work.’
This initiative is targeted at raising future world-class entrepreneurs and captains of industries from our students. Since this is a continuous programme, I want our students to take this seriously because it is not an opportunity that is available elsewhere,” he said.
Facing the three honourees, he described Chief Kessington and Mrs. Alakija as individuals, who have contributed immensely towards the development of Lagos State, and said that judging by their track records, they deserve the awards bestowed on them.
He also acknowledged the contributions of Prof. Okebukola in the area of educational development in the country and prayed God to continue to uphold him and those committed to extending the frontiers of knowledge.
Turning to the graduating students, he proudly congratulated them for their academic success and charged them to go out and conquer the world and to make LASU and Nigeria more proud.
Fifty one students bagged P.HD in various disciplines; 5,058 got post graduate diplomas; 20,300 got first degrees, out of who 26 made first class.
Miss Elizabeth Remilekun came out as the overall best graduating student of the institution having got the best result all over.
The convocation ceremony over, it was now time for reception at the Vice Chairman’s office, organized for the invited guests and dignitaries. The guests was split into three sections – the very important persons, other invitees and then management staff, lecturers, etc.
The Vice Chancellor, the chairman of the Governing Council, Prof. Ninalowo, his pretty wife, the V.C’s wife and his personal assistant, Wale, shuttled among the three venues of the reception.
A humble Vice Chancellor and his competent, tall, handsome and polite personal assistant, Wale, were on duty going from table to table, appreciating the guests and ensuring they were well served and treated.
A friendly atmosphere enveloped the area as the guests directly and indirectly voiced out their satisfaction with the new set of managers of this great institution of learning.
The traditional rulers, the honourees and their entourage, the Deans of faculties and top managers of the university, were all in a celebration mood, sharing jokes, throwing banters and having fun in a university that was almost like a jungle some years back.
Wale, the personal assistant, who paid particular attention to the Obas and chiefs, became their “favoured boy” while the Vice Chancellor, Prof Fagbohun and Prof. Ninalowo, put icings on the entertainment cake by ensuring that all dignitaries got due attention and service.
This reporter kept watch over all these players as they performed various roles at the convocation and at the reception. I was so impressed with the human and public relations displayed by those in charge of this institution.
I was amazed by the synergy between the Vice Chancellor and the Council Chairman, between the Vice Chancellor and his personal assistant, and between the two top officers of the institution and their wives as they attended to the guests at the convocations reception.
I was not surprised when many of the VIP’s at the event gave kudos to the new management of the university for an excellent; job they are doing.
The event was classic. It was beautiful and its memory will linger long in mind and those who witnessed it as a wonderfully organized event.
Those who spoke with Oriwu Sun also gave kudos to Ambode, whose efforts have launched LASU to a global height.
