An Overview and History of Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo

 
Lagos State University (LASU) is a premier state-owned tertiary institution in Nigeria, renowned for academic excellence, research contributions, and societal impact. Established in 1983 by the Lagos State Government, LASU has grown into one of Nigeria’s most prestigious universities, offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. This article explores the history, structure, and leadership of LASU, highlighting its development and contributions to education in Nigeria.

##History and Establishment of Lagos State University (LASU)
Lagos State University was founded in 1983 by the Lagos State Government under the administration of Governor Alhaji Lateef Jakande. The establishment of LASU was driven by the need to provide accessible and quality higher education to the growing population of Lagos State and beyond.

The university was created by the Lagos State University Law of 1983, with a mission to pursue excellence in education, research, and community service. LASU was designed as a multi-campus institution to cater to various disciplines and academic interests.

Since its inception, LASU has expanded significantly, developing into a world-class institution offering diverse academic programs across multiple faculties and campuses.

As part of its ongoing expansion, a 300-seat theatre hall is being constructed at the Ojo main campus by the Awori Welfare Association of Nigeria (AWAN). The construction site is positioned directly opposite the Babatunde Raji Fashola Senate House and is bordered by a new library under development alongside the existing student affairs building. Upon completion, the facility will function as a lecture hall, incorporating office spaces and a secretariat for administrative purposes.

With continuous growth in academic programs and infrastructure, LASU has solidified its reputation as a leading institution of higher learning in Nigeria.

##Campuses and Faculties
LASU operates a multi-campus system, with the main campus located in Ojo, Lagos State. Over the years, additional campuses have been established to accommodate the university’s expansion in various fields of study. Some of the notable campuses include:

Ojo Main Campus: The administrative headquarters and home to faculties such as Arts, Social Sciences, and Law.

Epe Campus: Houses the School of Agriculture and Faculty of Engineering.

Ikeja Campus: Dedicated to the Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM), which is affiliated with the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).

Badagry Campus: A proposed expansion area for academic development.


##Faculties
LASU offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs through several faculties and schools, including:

Faculty of Arts
Faculty of Social Sciences
Faculty of Management Sciences
Faculty of Law
Faculty of Science
Faculty of Engineering
Faculty of Education
College of Medicine
School of Communication
School of Transport and Logistics
Faculty of Environmental Sciences
Faculty of Dentistry


##Academic Growth and Achievements
Since its establishment, LASU has built a strong reputation for academic excellence, research, and innovation. It has produced thousands of graduates who have contributed significantly to various sectors of the economy.

Some of the university’s notable achievements include:

Recognition as one of Nigeria’s top-ranking state universities.

Accreditation of various programs by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

Expansion of academic research programs and international collaborations.

Establishment of the Lagos State University Centre for Entrepreneurial Studies (LASU-CES) to promote skill acquisition and self-employment among students.

Implementation of digitized learning and modern infrastructure to enhance education delivery.


##Governance and Administration
The governance of LASU is structured to ensure effective leadership, transparency, and academic development. The university is overseen by a Governing Council, which is responsible for policy formulation and implementation. The administrative structure consists of:

The Vice-Chancellor, who is the chief executive and academic officer of the university.

The Registrar, responsible for academic and administrative records.

The Bursar, in charge of financial management.

The Librarian, overseeing library and information services.


##List of Vice-Chancellors of LASU
Since its establishment, LASU has been led by various distinguished scholars and administrators who have played critical roles in shaping its development. Below is a list of Vice-Chancellors who have served at LASU:

Prof. Folabi Olumide (1983–1988): The pioneer Vice-Chancellor, who laid the foundation for the university’s academic and administrative structure.

Prof. Enitan Abisogun Bababunmi (1988–1993): Focused on expanding academic programs and research.

Prof. Jadesola Akande (1993–1996): The first female Vice-Chancellor, known for strengthening academic policies.

Prof. Fatiu Ademola Akesode (1997–2001): Contributed to infrastructural development and staff welfare.

Prof. Abisogun Leigh (2001–2005): Implemented policies for academic excellence and institutional reforms.

Prof. Lateef Hussein (2005–2011): Strengthened postgraduate programs and research initiatives.

Prof. John Oladapo Obafunwa (2011–2015): Led significant administrative and academic reforms.

Prof. Lanre Fagbohun (2016–2021): Focused on improving the university’s global ranking and reputation.

Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello (2021–Present): The current Vice-Chancellor, committed to digital transformation and infrastructural expansion.

Each Vice-Chancellor has contributed uniquely to LASU’s growth, fostering a legacy of academic excellence, research innovation, and institutional development.

##Notable Alumni of Lagos State University (LASU)
Lagos State University (LASU) has produced distinguished alumni across various fields, including politics, entertainment, law enforcement, and business. Here are some of its most notable graduates:

Politics and Governance:
Deputy Governor of Lagos State – LASU has played a role in the education of political leaders, including those serving in executive positions in Lagos State.

Chris Ayebusiwa: A Nigerian politician contributing to governance and legislative development.

Mudashiru Obasa: Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, a key figure in Lagos politics.

Tajudeen Obasa: A current member of the Nigerian National Assembly.


Entertainment Industry:

Eniola Badmus: A popular Nollywood actress known for her roles in comedy and drama films.

Brymo: A renowned singer and songwriter, famous for his deep lyrics and Afrobeat influence.

Chioma Chukwuka: An award-winning Nollywood actress and musician.

Liz Da-Silva: A well-known Nigerian actress in Yoruba-language films.

Jennifer Eliogu: Actress and singer, recognized for her impact in Nollywood.

Desmond Elliot: A successful actor, film producer, and politician, currently serving in the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Annie Macaulay-Idibia: An actress and model, also known for her marriage to singer 2Baba.

Tunde Obe: A veteran musician and part of the Tunde and Wunmi Obe (T.W.O) music duo.

Angela Okorie: A Nollywood actress famous for her roles in action and romance films.

Olaide Olaogun: A film actress and model with a strong presence in Nollywood.

Yinka Olukunga: A well-known actress in Nigerian television and film.

Cossy Orjiakor: An actress, singer, and socialite known for her controversial roles.

Tope Oshin: A respected television and film director in Nigeria.

Ruggedman: A prominent Nigerian rapper and music entrepreneur.

Rukky Sanda: An actress and filmmaker known for her work in Nollywood.

Sound Sultan (1976–2021): A legendary musician, songwriter, and activist in the Nigerian music industry.

Dolly Unachukwu: A veteran Nollywood actress, recognized for her roles in classic Nigerian movies.

Wizkid: One of Africa’s most successful musicians, internationally recognized for his Afrobeat sound.

Sodiq Abubakar Yusuf (CDQ): A Nigerian rapper known for his contributions to indigenous hip-hop.


Traditional Rulers and Law Enforcement:

Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi: A respected traditional ruler and the Elegushi of Ikate-Elegushi Kingdom.

Tunji Disu: A high-ranking police officer, known for his contributions to security and law enforcement.


Business and Entrepreneurship:

Tara Fela-Durotoye: A renowned entrepreneur and pioneer in Nigeria’s beauty industry, founder of House of Tara.


Academia, Medicine, and Public Service:

Yusuf Haroun: A medical doctor contributing to healthcare development.

Farida Waziri: A former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), known for her role in Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts.


LASU’s alumni have significantly influenced Nigeria’s social, political, and entertainment landscapes, showcasing the university’s impact on national development.