The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, was on Thursday, 2nd May 2024, honoured with an Award of Excellence as an Exceptional Leader.
The professor of Physiology was honoured alongside two other female vice chancellors, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, University of Lagos, and Prof. Adenike Oladiji, Federal University of Technology, Akure at the 64th CVL Leader without Title Tribute Colloquium organised by the Centre for Values in Leadership.
According to the Founder of CVL and host of the programme, Prof. Pat Utomi, the LASU vice chancellor was honoured in recognition of her outstanding contributions to tertiary education in Nigeria.
Speaking on the choice of the theme of the Colloquium, “Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges: Women Leading the Way in Education”, the professor of Political Economy and Management expert praised Prof. Olatunji-Bello and her fellow honourees for daring to break barriers, shatter glass ceilings, challenge the status quo and make valuable contributions to university administration in Nigeria, a field dominated by men. Prof. Utomi, who spoke virtually further encouraged the awardees “to continue to set the pace, clear the path for and inspire the upcoming generations”.
Prof. Olatunji-Bello in a recorded video, attributed her feat as the second female vice chancellor of LASU to God and her I-can-do spirit.
She quoted Ephesians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” as her driving force, as well as the personal determination to succeed in the face of obstacles that she possesses.
Chairman of the Colloquium, Secretary to Lagos State Government, Barrister Abimbola Salu Hundeyin, who was represented by Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, congratulated Prof. Olatunji-Bello and her fellow honourees on the feat. She described their awards as well deserved given their values and impact in tertiary education.
The event moderated by Public Speaker and Analyst, Prof. Anthony Kila; had as panelists the Special Adviser to the Kwara State Governor on Education, Dr. Adetola Salau; Professor Franca Ovadje and Dr. Abiola Salami.
Prof. Olatunji-Bello was represented at the Colloquium by the deputy vice chancellor, administration, Prof. Adenike Boyo.
