Lagos State University, LASU has celebrated five years of institutional growth and achievements under the leadership of its Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, MNI, FNLI, NPOM, as the university held the Coconut Breaking Festival ahead of its 29th and 30th Combined Convocation Ceremonies.
The festival, organised by the LASU Alumni Association, provided an opportunity to celebrate the university’s achievements and reaffirm the bond between the institution, its alumni and other stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, Olatunji-Bello expressed gratitude to God for the progress recorded by the university during her tenure, describing the occasion as particularly significant as it marked the fifth and final Coconut Breaking Festival she would preside over as Vice-Chancellor.
The Vice-Chancellor highlighted the full accreditation of existing and newly introduced academic programmes as one of the major achievements recorded under her administration.
She also noted LASU’s emergence as the most preferred university of choice in the 2025 and 2026 UTME/JAMB examinations, alongside significant improvements in infrastructure across the university’s campuses.
According to her, the administration also strengthened staff welfare and training and transformed the university’s Information and Communication Technology systems, positioning LASU as a leading digital university.
Olatunji-Bello said the administration had continued to raise the standard of university governance while responding to increasing demands for academic and other services, creating an environment where students could learn, staff could thrive and the institution could compete globally.
She described the Coconut Breaking Festival as more than a celebration of past achievements, saying it also provided an opportunity to commit the future of LASU into the hands of God.
She prayed for continued peace, progress and prosperity for LASU, Lagos State and Nigeria, while urging alumni to continue supporting their alma mater.
The Vice-Chancellor expressed appreciation to members of staff, students, alumni, partners and other stakeholders for their contributions to the achievements recorded during her tenure.
Also speaking, the President of the LASU Alumni Association, Norrison Quakers, described the festival as a reflection of the achievements, resilience, unity and enduring relationship between the university and its alumni.
Quakers, who was represented by the National Assistant Treasurer, Alhaji Adetunji Monsuru, recalled the institution’s founding vision and its enduring slogan, “To make LASU great is a task that must be done,” while commending Olatunji-Bello for her leadership and contributions to the development of the university.
He explained that the coconut symbolises perseverance, sacrifice and the reward that follows determination and hard work, with the breaking of its hard shell representing the challenges that must be overcome before success can be achieved.
The Alumni President congratulated the graduating students, describing their completion of their academic journey as evidence of years of dedication, discipline and commitment.
He urged the graduates to see their convocation not as the end of their journey but as the beginning of a new chapter filled with opportunities and responsibilities.
Quakers encouraged them to remain worthy ambassadors of LASU, uphold the values of the institution and contribute meaningfully to their communities, professions and the nation.
He also urged the new graduates to remain connected to the university, participate actively in alumni activities and contribute their talents, resources and expertise to its continued advancement.
The Alumni President reaffirmed the association’s commitment to supporting LASU’s pursuit of academic excellence and the development of graduates capable of making positive contributions to society.