Sanwo-Olu appoints Acting VCs for new Universities

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has appointed acting Vice-Chancellors for the two newly established Universities in the state.

The institutions are: Lagos State University of Science and Technology, Ikorodu and Lagos State University of Education, Ijanikin and Epe.

A  Statement issue and signed on Monday by the  Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Tokunbo Wahab, stated that Sanwo-Olu  has approved the appointments  of  Prof. Bidemi Bilikis Lafiaji-Okunneye, a Professor of Health Education and current substantive  Provost,  Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education,  as the Acting Vice- Chancellor of the  Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), Ijanikin and Epe Campuses and Dr. Nurudeen Olaleye, a  PhD holder in Microbiology and  current Rector,  Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH),  Ikorodu as the Ag. Vice Chancellor of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology(LASUST), Ikorodu respectively.

Professor Okuneye, according to the statement,  would be assisted  by an Associate Professor and current Provost  of Michael Otedola College of Primary  Education (MOCPED) now University of Education, Epe, Nosiru Onibon as Acting Deputy Vice- Chancellor.

On the other hand, Dr. Olumide Metilelu, Chief Lecturer, Hospitality Management Technology  would serve as LASUST new  Deputy Vice- Chancellor (Academics) while  Dr.  Gbemavo, Kolawole Godonu, LASPOTECH’s  current Deputy Rector (Administration)  would serve as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Admin) of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUST) respectively.

Wahab  further stated  that  the two Acting VCs and other Management Heads would serve in acting capacities  for a period three months (90 days) effective from 1^st of March to 29^th May, 2022 pending the appointments of substantive VCs and principal officers of the universities.

The Special Adviser explained that the appointment of acting VCs and other management heads pending the appointment of substantive ones became necessary to ensure that there was no vacuum in the institutions’ leadership while peace and stability is maintained during the transition period.

He added that  their appointment was also  in compliance with Section 4,Subsection (1) (C) and Section 14 Subsection ( 1) ( A) and (B) of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology Law 2021  and Section 8 Subsection  (1) (C)and (D)of the Lagos State  University of Education (LASUED) Law, 2021 respectively.

“The appointment of acting Vice-Chancellors and other Management Heads for our new Universities  is not only  in accordance with the laws establishing them, it will also serve to provide academic and administrative leadership to the whole University , represent the University externally , both within Lagos and the rest of the country,” Wahab stated.

The Special Adviser while congratulating the new appointees on their elevation to higher status, charged them to consider their appointments as a call to duty while urging them to use their experience and rich academic pedigrees to put the institutions on a good track.