An Acting Vice Chancellor has been elected by the Lagos State University.
This follows the cancellation of the process for the appointment of a new Vice Chancellor last week by the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The new VC, Oyedamola Oke was the former Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Administration.
He was elected at a university senate election which took place today, Monday.
Oke polled 61 votes to beat his contender, Wahah Elias who was the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academics. Elias polled 51 votes.
The provost of the College of Health Sciences, Abiodun Adewuya presided over the election process.
Mr Adewuya was elected Protem Chair of the Senate on Monday while the two candidates expressed interest to vie for the position of VC.
Gboyega Akosile, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu disclosed on Friday that a fresh process that would terminate in 45 days should commence immediately.
This followed petitions arising from the selection of the Vice Chancellor by the Governing Council.
According to Akosile, “After a thorough evaluation and investigation of the various complaints, Mr Governor, in his capacity as the Visitor to the University, ordered a cancellation of the process.”
The out going Vice Chancellor gave a farewell speech during his handover.
The speech:
Olanrewaju Fagbohun@lanre_fagbohunยท”My Farewell Address Dear incredible members of the LASU Community, with a heart full of gratitude – I address you today for the last time as your vice-chancellor. Exactly five years ago, I made my way into this campus and you welcomed me with open arms”
“On that day, I saw in your eyes – the zeal and hope for a better Lagos State University. And on that very day, I made a promise to every one of you that if we work together – there are no limits to what we can achieve.
“Since then, we rolled up our sleeves and embarked on the hard work of remaking our university and bending the arc of our history towards a promising future for ourselves and for those who will come after us.
“In those five years, we made our campuses more secure and opened our doors to investors and donors of goodwill. Through your collective sacrifices and faith in what LASU could be – we became a focal point for impactful research and innovations that could help shape the future of Lagos State, Nigeria, and our world.
“More importantly. In those five years,we looked beyond ourselves and helped to chart a path for the years ahead. While we built for the short term, we also envisioned and laid the groundwork for a prosperous entrepreneurial Lagos State University that inspires a community where all students, staff, other stakeholders and partners are challenged to forge a transformative partnership committed to driving innovation and sustaining a science and technology-based economy in a climate of global competition.
“To all respected members of the LASU Governing Council and the Great People of Nigeria, it has been a pleasure serving an institution that is so dear to my heart. Starting from tomorrow as I take a bow, I will miss all the moments, the giant strides and memories we all shared.
“I must however emphasize that our job is not done yet. Our job and responsibilities as members of this vibrant community must not start or end with any vice-chancellor.
The hard work of building a globally competitive university is a long and relentless journey that must transcend administrations and individuals. This explains why I am urging the entire LASU Community to support the administration of my successor and ensure the ideals of rule of law, progress, impactful development, and justice continue to thrive on our campuses.
“I am forever thankful for the opportunity to serve you all. May God continue to bless,protect and elevate the Lagos State University.
“We are LASU, We are Proud!! Your grateful servant, Olanrewaju A. Fagbohun SAN, NPOM,Vice-Chancellor,LASU January 11th,2016 -January 10th, 2021.”