Jakande @90: LASU Celebrates Pioneering Governor, Commence LKJ Annual Lecture

Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande cutting the cake with his family members and some LASU management staff

By LOVETH AZODO, Lagos

The faculty of Art of the Lagos State University (LASU) has asserted the commencement of an annual lecture in honour of the first executive governor of Lagos State Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande.

This is just as the varsity celebrated with the icon as he clocks 90, the event which was marked with a lecture, theme ‘Lateef Kayode Jankande: A phenom of Administration in Lagos State’ was convened by the Faculty of Arts, Lagos State University  on Monday in Lagos.

Delivering his speech, LASU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olarenwaju Adigun Fagbohun SAN noted that the celebrant has a clear vision, which among others is to find a solution to the then prevalent narrative that the indigenous population of Lagos are backward “Today, we can eloquently attest to the fact that your strategy worked” he said

According to the VC, the Citadel of learning which since its inception in 1983 has metamorphose from merely three faculties (Education, science and Law/Humanities), 55 academic staff, 37administrative and technical staff and enrollment of 375 graduates into  being  African Center of Excellence enclosing three major campuses (Ojo, Ikeja   and Epe) seven faculties (Arts, Education Engineering, Law Management Sciences, Science and Social science),  four schools (Communication, Transport, Agriculture and School of post graduate studies), one college (college of medicine) and several academic centres with academic staff of 800, non academic staff population of 2000 annual admission of close 6500 students.

During his lecture, the Guest Lecturer, Prof Hakeem Danmole  of Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin mentioned that the Colossus of Lagos State spent his life serving Lagos and Nigeria  stressing that subsequent governors after him has only been copying what he did. He described him as a perfect example of Integrity, a courageous administrator and an innovator by excellence. “A man that didn’t name any of the achievements made in his administration to himself, what do you call that?” He asked

“His experience exposed him to challenge his governance and how those challenges could be approached beyond his personal politics. He worked with individuals both in the civil service and his party who believe in him and were ready to put their best to actualize his vision,” he said.

Also speaking, the LASU Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof. Adebayo Ninalowo who was represented by Hon. Sunny Ajose urged political leaders to emulate Jakande’s good virtues and use the virtues to build the country.

In the spirit of celebration the university management named a major road (longest road) in the varsity after the celebrant, the Colossus of Lagos State, ‘BABA KEKERE’ as he is fondly called.