The newly installed Chancellor of Lagos State University, Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo, have been urged to uphold the institution’s traditions, promote unity, and strengthen its governance structure, amid growing expectations on public universities to deliver quality education and institutional stability.
Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, gave the charge on Tuesday during the investiture of Oba Ogunsanwo as the 6th Chancellor of LASU, held at the Governor’s Office in Alausa, Ikeja. The monarch’s appointment marks the first time a traditional ruler will occupy the position in the university’s history.
The governor described the ceremony as more than symbolic, noting that it reflects broader efforts to reinforce governance, institutional values, and global competitiveness within the state-owned university system.
“The office of the Chancellor symbolises continuity, dignity, and the enduring values upon which the institution is built,” Sanwo-Olu said, stressing that the role goes beyond ceremonial duties to include moral leadership and institutional representation.
He urged the new Chancellor to foster cohesion among the university’s governing organs and play a key role in strengthening partnerships and projecting LASU’s image both locally and internationally.
The development comes at a time when Nigerian universities face increasing scrutiny over governance, funding, and global relevance, placing renewed emphasis on leadership roles that can drive stability and long-term growth.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Ogunsanwo described his appointment as a “full-circle moment,” recalling his time as a postgraduate student at the university in 1995 and noting that the institution played a significant role in shaping his intellectual journey.
He acknowledged the growing responsibilities attached to the office, pledging to work with the Visitor, Governing Council, and management to advance academic excellence and institutional development.
The Chancellor also highlighted the importance of lifelong learning, revealing that he is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration at LASU, a move he said underscores the need for continuous knowledge acquisition in a rapidly evolving world.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor, Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, was commended by the governor for her leadership, while the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Babatunde Ogala, noted that the university is pursuing strategic partnerships with international institutions and industry players to enhance its capacity.
Also speaking, the Lagos State Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Tolani Sule, described LASU as a critical driver of the state’s development agenda, stressing that leadership at all levels must align with the vision of producing globally competitive graduates.
Dignitaries at the event included the Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat; Senator representing Lagos East, Tokunbo Abiru; and the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, among others.
Stakeholders noted that the investiture signals a renewed push to align tradition with modern governance structures in higher education, as institutions seek innovative leadership approaches to navigate evolving academic and socio-economic challenges.
