The Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, has declared that the institution is on track to become the best university in West Africa by the year 2026. Under her leadership, LASU has experienced a significant transformation, emerging as the most sought after university in Nigeria in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination with over 70,000 first choice applicants.
Once associated with cultism and frequent unrest, LASU has undergone a major turnaround. The Vice Chancellor attributed this progress to collective commitment from the university management, staff, students, and critical support from the Lagos State Government. She noted that the university’s peaceful environment, regular academic calendar, and improved infrastructure have boosted student confidence and led to a steady rise in enrolment from 3,000 to 13,000.
As part of efforts to enhance its global reputation, LASU has set up a dedicated ranking committee focused on meeting all criteria required for top positions in global university rankings such as the Times Higher Education list. Presently ranked the second best public university in Nigeria, the university is optimistic about further progress in the upcoming 2025 ranking.
The university is also leading in digital transformation. Almost all administrative and academic processes, including admissions, course registration, lectures, examinations, staff promotions and payments have been digitised. LASU has adopted blended learning, allowing students to attend classes virtually and ensuring uninterrupted academic activities.
In line with global trends, LASU is incorporating Artificial Intelligence into its teaching and learning systems. A university committee has been mandated to develop a formal AI policy. The institution plans to use platforms like ChatGPT Pro for classroom instruction, assessments, and student engagement. The Faculty of Computing and Information Technology currently houses five departments, including one focused specifically on Artificial Intelligence.
To curb cultism and insecurity, the university has taken a proactive approach by engaging host communities and screening student leaders to ensure a safe campus. An anti-cultism pledge was also introduced, helping to reinforce the university’s zero tolerance for violence.
In terms of academic innovation, LASU has established new faculties including Environmental Sciences, Pharmacy, and Allied Health Sciences, as well as a School of Library and Archival Information Sciences. Programmes like Doctor of Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, and Medical Laboratory Science have been introduced. The university also runs centres such as the Centre for Sustainable Development Goals, the Centre for Response to Sexual and Gender Based Violence, and the Centre for Peace and Security Studies.
Entrepreneurship and innovation are now core elements of the LASU curriculum. All students must pass a compulsory entrepreneurship course called ENT 1000, regardless of their course of study. The university’s Innovation Hub provides a space where students and staff develop practical solutions to real world problems.
To promote inclusivity, LASU has created an Office for Disability Support and is planning a fully equipped resource centre to cater to students with physical or mental challenges. All university events now include sign language interpretation as part of its inclusive policy.
LASU’s Internally Generated Revenue has also grown significantly under the current administration. Infrastructure development has been prioritized, with new buildings, roads, constant power supply and a functional university hospital now in place. Staff welfare has been improved with timely promotion, regular salary payments, and modern office facilities.
In sports, LASU has gained international recognition. Its female football team is set to represent Africa at the World University Games in China. The university recently completed what is regarded as the biggest Student Union Building in Africa and has built a new staff club to promote recreation and staff bonding.
With several ongoing and future plans including the introduction of Optometry as a new course, LASU is positioning itself not just as a centre of learning, but a hub of innovation, inclusion, and academic excellence in Africa.
