How LASU VC, Fagbohun Rewrote History In Four Years

By LOVETH AZODO, Lagos

In recent times, many Nigerian leaders in different spheres of life had noted that four years is never enough to make things work nevertheless within the space of four years the Vice Chancellor, Lagos State University (LASU) has undoubtedly changed the story of the institution formerly associated with unending crisis.

Appointed on 4th January, 2016 as the 8th substantive Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University by the immediate-past Governor of Lagos State, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, Professor of Environmental Law, Prof. Olanrewaju Adigun Fagbohun, SAN, NPOM, assumed office on Monday, 11th January, 2019 to a very warm reception from members of the University Community- Staff and Students. Prof. Fagbohun’s appointment was on the heels of a feisty crisis that had ravaged the institution for months.

The announcement of the Akesan-born Prince’s appointment by the state government was received with joy and enthusiasm by stakeholders, many of whom were eager for the months-old crisis, which had forced the institution on her knees, to end. His profile as a brilliant and internationally acclaimed lawyer, his antecedents as a well-loved, humane and humble lecturer in the institution’s faculty of Law, where he taught Law some years earlier before taking an appointment as the University of Lagos, and his background as a son of the soil, provided enough capital on which the new Vice Chancellor was going to be given a chance. He never disappointed.

An unrepentant Apostle of peace, Prof. Fagbohun, upon taking up office quickly initiated a series of moves aimed at reconciling aggrieved parties in the Ivory Tower. All staff and students Unions were at different times brought to a roundtable and given the opportunity to freely express their positions.

He also set up 34 Committees to ensure that the institution run on Committee system as obtained in other institutions in the world, while rolling out five Strategic Plans for the University, including, the restoration of peace and academic excellence; fostering of high level scholarship and create new knowledge; consolidate on previous gains; clear roadmap for attracting funds and making LASU valued partner to Lagos State Government and the Nation.

Four years down the line and with just a year left for his administration, Prof. Olanrewaju Adigun Fagbohun, SAN, NPOM, has not only restored peace to the Lagos State-owned University, he, alongside the highly cerebral and loyal members of university Management, brought an unprecedented level of development to the University, while positioning it firmly as one of the safest and best public tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

Within that period, not only has LASU witnessed four years of unbroken academic calendar, the institution has become one of the most subscribed by admission seekers in the country, while also being an investor’s favourite.

These achievements, he is always quick to point out, are products of collective efforts of all stakeholders State Government, Governing Council, Senate, Staff and Students Unions and indeed, all members of the University Community.