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Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello’s Five-Year Legacy at LASU: From Potential to Proven Excellence
By DeeSwift Consults | Swift School News
September 21, 2026
As the five-year tenure of Prof. Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello as Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU) draws to a close, attention is turning to the projects, reforms and institutional developments recorded during her administration.
A recent feature published by LASU Conscience, titled “From Potential to Proven Excellence: Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello’s Five-Year Legacy at LASU,” highlights developments recorded across academics, infrastructure, research, technology, revenue generation, sports and institutional visibility.
Prof. Olatunji-Bello assumed office in September 2021 as LASU’s ninth substantive Vice-Chancellor and became the first woman to occupy the position.
Academic Development and Accreditation
Academic development has been one of the areas highlighted in the administration’s five-year report.
According to the LASU Conscience feature, the university recorded a 96 per cent success rate during its first accreditation exercise under the administration, with 31 out of 37 programmes receiving full accreditation.
In 2023, the university reportedly presented 44 programmes for accreditation, with 43 receiving full accreditation. Another 17 programmes were said to have secured full accreditation in 2026.
The administration also established new faculties and schools and introduced more than 30 academic programmes.
The report further states that 127 academic staff were promoted to the rank of Professor, while the university hosted 47 inaugural lectures during the period.
Infrastructure Expansion Across LASU
Infrastructure was another major component of the administration's reported achievements.
According to LASU Conscience, more than 50 projects were completed or initiated during the five-year period through various funding sources, including government funding, TETFund, donations and internally generated revenue.
Among the projects highlighted are the 8,000-bed student hostel project, Students’ Arcade, a ₦3 billion TETFund-sponsored Academic Resource Centre, and the Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu Library Complex, which was commissioned in 2025.
These projects have expanded or are expected to expand accommodation, learning, research and other facilities available to members of the university community.
LASU’s Internally Generated Revenue
The growth in the university's internally generated revenue is another significant figure highlighted in the report.
According to LASU Conscience, LASU's internally generated revenue increased from approximately ₦3 billion in September 2021 to ₦13 billion in September 2025.
The report attributes the increase to improvements in financial processes, automation, creativity and the utilisation of the university's internal resources.
The institution also expanded some of its income-generating ventures, including LASU Bakery and Confectioneries, LASU Water, and short professional programmes.
Research, Innovation and Digital Transformation
Research, innovation and emerging technologies also featured prominently during the administration.
The report states that LASU researchers secured ₦29 million in grants from the Lagos State Research and Innovation Council, while TETFund approved ₦3 billion for a Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and Cybersecurity.
LASU also continued its Research and Innovation Fair, with the 2026 edition focusing on artificial intelligence-driven research and innovation.
Digital transformation was another area highlighted in the report.
LASU was reportedly recognised as Nigeria’s Most Digitally Advanced State University at the Nigeria Technology Awards, while the National Universities Commission reportedly described LASU in 2023 as one of Nigeria’s most digitalised universities.
LASU’s Growing Sporting Profile
LASU's activities and achievements in university sports also formed part of the administration's reported record.
In 2024, LASU co-hosted the All Africa University Games (FASU) alongside the University of Lagos.
According to the report, LASU emerged as the best Nigerian university and second overall in Africa at the competition.
The LASU Queens women's football team also qualified for the FISU University World Cup Football, further increasing the university's participation in international university sports.
Growing National Visibility and Admission Demand
The university's growing visibility has also been reflected in rankings and admission demand.
LASU Conscience reports that LASU was ranked Best University in West Africa by UI GreenMetric in 2022, 2023 and 2024, while the AD Scientific Index ranked the institution as the Best State University in Nigeria in 2022 and 2023.
Admission demand has also remained significant.
According to figures highlighted in the report, LASU received more than 84,000 first-choice applications during the 2026 JAMB admission exercise, placing it among the most sought-after universities in the country.
Leadership and Institutional Recognition
Prof. Olatunji-Bello's tenure has also been accompanied by several recognitions.
Among those highlighted in the report is her receipt of the National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM) and her emergence as Chairman of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of State Universities in Nigeria in 2024.
The administration also maintained regular statutory activities, with the report recording 55 Senate meetings and five uninterrupted convocation ceremonies during the tenure.
Beyond the Projects: What Will Remain?
As the five-year administration approaches its conclusion, discussions about its legacy will likely extend beyond the number of projects completed or programmes introduced.
The developments highlighted by LASU Conscience span several areas of university administration — from academic accreditation and infrastructure to revenue generation, research, digital transformation, sports and institutional visibility.
The longer-term significance of these developments will depend, in part, on how effectively subsequent administrations sustain, improve and build upon them.
For now, Prof. Olatunji-Bello's tenure represents a significant chapter in the history of Lagos State University.
The projects will remain. Academic programmes will continue. Research and innovation will evolve. Students will continue to pass through the institution.
And LASU's journey continues.
We are LASU. We are Great.
Reported by DeeSwift Consults for Swift School News.
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