Brighter days are ahead for staff and students of Lagos State University (LASU), as the Federal Government has pledged to enhance electricity supply to power the institution’s campuses.
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa gave the assurance on Wednesday, 20th August 2025, during the official commissioning and handover of the ultra-modern Olatunji Bello Auditorium at LASU’s Epe Campus.
Responding to Vice-Chancellor Prof Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello’s appeal for improved power supply, Dr Alausa disclosed that plans are underway for the Federal Government to construct a 5-megawatt minigrid at the Epe Campus, while TETFund is set to provide an 11-megawatt minigrid for the Ojo Main Campus.
The Minister commended Hon Tunji Bello, Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), former Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources in Lagos State, and former Secretary to the Lagos State Government, for initiating and bringing to fruition the project for the benefit of LASU students.
Explaining the motivation behind his donation, Hon Bello, also the husband of the Vice-Chancellor, described the edifice as an enduring investment in knowledge and national development, conceived to mark his 60th birthday in 2021.
In his words: “By choosing to sow this seed in the vineyard of knowledge, I believe my 60th birthday cake will be preserved and shared by generations to come. This is my humble way of showing that public purpose is better served by supporting public universities in bridging infrastructural gaps.”
Dignitaries, including the Visitor to LASU and Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu; former Ogun State Governor, Aremo Olusegun Osoba; former National Universities Commission Executive Secretary, Emeritus Professor Peter Okebukola; immediate past LASU Pro-Chancellor, Sir David Sunmoni; and other eminent Nigerians, praised Hon Bello’s philanthropy, contrasting it with the prevailing trend of marking milestones with extravagant parties. They spoke glowingly of his selflessness while commending the leadership of the university for facilitating the project.
In her welcome remarks, Prof Olatunji-Bello expressed profound joy at the completion and handover of what she described as a labour of love, passion, and commitment to the upliftment of humanity through education.
She lauded her husband’s gesture as the pinnacle of his consistent support for her administration, and urged well-meaning Nigerians to emulate his example, thereby etching their names in the sands of time.
The commissioning ceremony drew an illustrious gathering, including the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Femi Hamzat; former Governor, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola (represented); the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire; serving and former State Executive Council members; Lagos House of Assembly members; APC State Chairman, Hon Cornelius Ojelabi; GAC members; members of LASU management, emeritus/distinguished professors, deans, directors, staff, and students; as well as family, friends, and well-wishers of the donor and the Vice-Chancellor.
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