Connect, Grow, Impact
LAGOS — Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has appointed Professor Ayodeji Olawunmi Badejo as the 10th Substantive Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University, LASU.
The appointment was announced on Wednesday, September 9 in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso.
Prof. Badejo, a Professor of Counselling Psychology, will take over from the outgoing VC, Distinguished Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, whose five-year tenure ends on Saturday, September 19.
She will assume office on Sunday, September 20, for a single term of five years, in line with the LASU Law 2004 as amended.
From Dean to Vice-Chancellor
Badejo, 64, has spent more than three decades at LASU. She rose through the ranks from lecturer to professor and has held several key positions within the university.
Badejo, 64, has spent more than three decades at LASU. She rose through the ranks from lecturer to professor and has held several key positions within the university.
She previously served as Dean of the Faculty of Education, Chairman of the Senate Curriculum Committee, and member of the LASU Governing Council.
As Dean, all academic programmes in the Faculty secured full accreditation from the National Universities Commission, NUC. About 20 academic staff were also promoted to professorial cadre during her tenure.
As Chairman of the Senate Curriculum Committee, she led the development and validation of new programmes and the alignment of existing courses with NUC standards.
Record in Administration and Mentorship
Beyond academics, Badejo also served as Chairman of the LASU International School Board. Under her leadership, the school’s capital reserves grew from about N88,000 to N121 million, while financial deficits were cleared. Student enrolment and staff strength also increased during the period.
She is widely regarded for her role in doctoral education. Between 2012 and 2026, she supervised 23 PhD graduates, including a recipient of the 2024 Best PhD Thesis Award
A prolific scholar, she has authored 4 books, 17 book chapters and over 60 peer-reviewed journal articles.
Professional Standing
Badejo is a Fellow of the Counselling Association of Nigeria, CASSON, and the Association of Professional Counsellors in Nigeria, APROCON. She is also a member of the American Psychological Association and the Nigerian Academy of Education.
She chaired the LASU Research Ethics Committee and is credited with developing a patented Youth Anthem for the university.
Her recognitions include the Key to the City of Niagara Falls, New York, and a 2025 Distinguished Personality Award for excellence in higher education in Africa, received in Pretoria, South Africa.
With the appointment, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the university would benefit from Badejo’s experience in academic leadership, financial stewardship, curriculum development and mentorship.
LASU is expected to formally welcome her as VC during a handover ceremony later this month.