Cheers, Tributes Mark Send-Forth Ceremony For LASU Distinguished Prof.Joseph Abayomi Olagunju

  

The atmosphere was filled with joy and warm tributes as friends, colleagues, and members of the Lagos State University community gathered on Thursday, 22nd January 2026, to celebrate a distinguished Professor of Medical Biochemistry and immediate past Dean of the Postgraduate School, Distinguished Professor Joseph Abayomi Olagunju, at a memorable send-forth  ceremony held in his honour.

The ceremony, which was held at the Office of the Dean, Postgraduate School, was characterised by goodwill messages, laughter, and heartfelt tributes celebrating Distinguished Professor Olagunju’s illustrious academic career and immense contributions to the Postgraduate School and university administration. As he bows out of active service on Sunday, 25th January 2026, colleagues lauded his exemplary leadership, mentorship, and enduring legacy within the University.

Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Toyin Enikuomehin, praised Professor Olagunju for his objectivity, fairness, and exceptional understanding of the university system. She noted that his ability to offer factual, balanced opinions and provide purposeful leadership consistently guided critical decisions and strengthened institutional processes.

The Vice-Chancellor acknowledged Professor Olagunju’s unwavering commitment, including the countless hours devoted to reforms, and credited him with laying a solid foundation for the successes recorded by the Postgraduate School.

In his opening remarks, the Dean of the Postgraduate School, Professor Ibrahim Olateju, described the celebrant as a man of firm principles and high emotional intelligence. He commended Professor Olagunju’s transformative impact, particularly his success in clearing administrative backlogs and implementing modern regulations that streamlined academic processes.

Professor Olateju expressed deep gratitude for this legacy, reaffirming the School’s commitment to building on the orderly foundation established by his predecessor and sustaining a positive environment essential for continued academic growth.

In his response, Professor Olagunju expressed profound surprise and emotion, admitting that he was deeply moved by the collective efforts to organise the celebration in his honour. He extended heartfelt gratitude to his colleagues, noting that the gesture served as a powerful validation of his years of service. Reflecting on his tenure, he expressed appreciation for working alongside like-minded individuals who shared his respect for the institution’s systems and enduring legacy.

Professor Olagunju, who was joined at the event by his wife, Mrs Olayinka Olagunju, reaffirmed his commitment to the University’s values, attributing his professional journey and key decisions to divine direction. He emphasised the importance of unity and collective effort, while indicating his intention to remain active and involved in the university community.

Goodwill messages were delivered by the Director, Directorate of Research Management and Innovation (DRMI), Professor Adejuwon Adeneye; former Provost of the Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM), Professor Babatunde Solagberu; former Acting Provost, LASUCOM, Professor Mobolaji Oludara; former Dean, Faculty of Law, Professor F.A.R. Adeleke; and Deputy Registrar, Mr Moshood Balogun.

The high point of the event was the presentation of a special gift to Distinguished Professor Olagunju by his Committee of Friends, who organised the programme, as well as the cutting of his retirement cake.