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 charge was delivered on Monday, 1st December 2025, as the university matriculated 14,893 students for the 2025/2026 academic session. The event was held at the Buba Marwa Auditorium, LASU Main Campus, Ojo, Lagos.

Addressing the students selected from over 70,000 applicants, Professor Olatunji-Bello congratulated them on gaining admission into the institution, recently ranked best in West Africa by Universitas Indonesia (UI) Greenmetric and recognised as Nigeria’s most digitally innovative state university. She described LASU as a “world-class university” committed to the holistic development of world-class leaders.

The Vice-Chancellor reaffirmed the university management’s dedication to student welfare and security, assuring a safe and conducive learning environment while encouraging the prompt reporting of any concerns. She reiterated the university’s zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of misconduct, including cultism, examination malpractice, indecent dressing, and sexual and gender-based violence.

The Dean of Students’ Affairs, Dr Abiodun FATAI-ABATAN, had earlier urged the freshers to maximise the unique academic opportunities offered at the university. He highlighted critical habits for success, such as effective time management, regular class attendance, financial intelligence, and a steadfast commitment to self-development, while warning against antisocial behaviours.

Adding a profound layer of inspiration, Dr Samson Olusegun OYEFOLU, a lecturer in the Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, delivered a compelling motivational address. He urged students to harness their talents, build resilient character, and choose mentors wisely, cautioning: “Do not choose a mentor who will kill your shine. Such a person is not a mentor, but a tormentor.” Dr OYEFOLU emphasised that true growth stems from self-awareness, preparation, and learning from failure, noting that “while talent opens doors, only character can keep them open.”

One of the highlights of the matriculation 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 the University’s Principal Officers, including the 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; and University Librarian, Dr Omawumi MAKINDE.

Also present were the Deputy Director, Lagos Zonal Office of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Mrs Kemi AWOSANYA; the Provost, Lagos State University College of Medicine, Deans of Faculties, Directors of Centres, other members of the university community; family members; and well-wishers of the matriculants.

The event was beautifully enriched with music, a sonorous poetic rendition, and a musical performance by students from the Department of Music, Faculty of Arts and Faculty of Social Sciences, showcasing the institution’s vibrant creative community.

The Vice-Chancellor concluded with optimism, expressing confidence that the University would reconvene in the future to celebrate the successful convocation of all the newly matriculated students, who are now officially part of LASU’s legacy of excellence.

We are LASU, We are Great!

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