Sanwo-Olu swears in 13th LASU Governing Council, tasks members on visionary leadership

By Adeola Ogunrinde –

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday swore in the newly constituted Governing Council of the Lagos State University (LASU), charging its members to provide visionary leadership that will consolidate the institution’s position as one of Africa’s leading universities.

The ceremony, held at the Banquet Hall of the Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, was attended by top government officials, LASU management and the newly appointed 13th Governing Council members.

Speaking at the event, Sanwo-Olu said the appointment of the council was both a responsibility and a call to service, reflecting his administration’s commitment to sustaining LASU’s academic excellence and global competitiveness. He noted that LASU has become the most sought-after university in Nigeria, attributing the feat to stable academic sessions, strong governance, and improved teaching and research facilities.

“Your appointment comes at a time when expectations are high and the pace of global education is rapidly changing,” Sanwo-Olu said through the commissioner. “The council must provide clarity, conviction and strategic leadership to deepen innovation, ensure financial sustainability and elevate LASU’s standing globally.”

The governor also commended the outgoing 12th Governing Council led by Sir David Sunmoni for laying a solid governance foundation that contributed significantly to LASU’s recent achievements.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Tertiary Institutions, Mr Tolani Sule, emphasised that the Governing Council remains the highest decision-making body of any university, hence the careful selection of experienced professionals with proven competence in administration, academia, law, finance and public service. He presented the newly appointed members and urged them to uphold transparency, accountability and excellence in managing the institution’s affairs.

In his remarks, the newly inaugurated Chairman of the LASU Governing Council, Mr Babatunde Ogala (SAN), expressed gratitude to the state government for the confidence reposed in the nine-member council. He assured that the team is fully prepared to justify the trust placed in them by millions of Lagos residents. He acknowledged LASU’s status as Nigeria’s most sought-after university, praising the institution’s improved academic standards and promising to further raise the bar.

The council will be headed by Babatunde Ogala, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN); while Oluseyi Badmus, Bode Makanjuola, Mojisola Tolagbe Taiwo, Shaffudeen Amuwo and Rafiu Adisa Ebiti will serve as members. Other members of the council include Kofo Durosimi-Etti, Farouk Gumel, Adenike Akanbi, Biodun Hundeyin and Remi Desalu. The ceremony ended with the formal administration of the oath of office to the council members.