It was a memorable afternoon of joy, dancing and heartfelt gratitude on Wednesday, 8th July 2026, as the Office of the Vice-Chancellor hosted a spectacular and colourful send-off ceremony to honour three stellar immediate past members of the University's Management Team.
Held at the elegantly decorated Vice-Chancellor's Conference Room, the event celebrated the meritorious, dedicated, and transformative service of the immediate past Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Adenike Omotunde Boyo; the immediate past Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Professor Olufunso Abayomi Omobitan; and the immediate past University Bursar, Mr Sa'id Babatunde Olayinka, FCA.
The atmosphere was charged with immense pride as principal officers, deans, directors and well-wishers of the celebrants gathered to celebrate the three distinguished leaders whose commitment has left an indelible legacy across the institution.
Welcoming the distinguished guests, the Vice-Chancellor, Distinguished Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello was radiant with joy as she commended her former colleagues for their exceptional loyalty and selfless sacrifices, that propelled LASU to remarkable new heights during their respective tenures. She stated that while no material gift could ever fully match the magnitude of their contributions, the intimate ceremony was a heartfelt token of love and appreciation from members of the Office of the Vice-Chancellor.
Emphasising that the historic successes recorded under her leadership were the fruits of synergy and a shared vision, Professor Olatunji-Bello noted that many of the landmark decisions that transformed the University were collectively conceived and implemented alongside the honourees.
"The remarkable milestones we have recorded as an administration were made possible because we worked together as one united team. As the Yoruba would say, 'Ẹni kan kì í jẹ́ àwàdẹ' (no one accomplishes great things alone). Today, we celebrate colleagues whose dedication, wisdom and unwavering support helped shape the success story of Lagos State University," she said.
Paying glowing tributes to each of the honourees, the Vice-Chancellor described Professor *BOYO* as a dependable confidante whose loyalty and commitment never wavered throughout her tenure. She praised Professor *OMOBITAN* for his steadfast support, intellectual depth and dedication to the administration, while commending the immediate past Bursar, Mr Sa'id Babatunde *OLAYINKA*, FCA, as an exceptionally reliable officer whose diligence, integrity and professionalism distinguished his service to the University.
The ceremony featured heartfelt goodwill messages from members of the University's management and other senior officers, all of whom paid glowing tributes to the distinguished former principal officers for their invaluable contributions to the growth and development of Lagos State University.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Professor Oseni Taiwo Afisi, expressed appreciation to the celebrants for their unwavering commitment to the University's advancement. According to him, many of the remarkable successes recorded under the current administration were made possible through their dedication, sacrifice, and collaborative spirit.
The sentiment was echoed by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Toyin Enikuomehin, who described the celebration as a fitting recognition of three outstanding leaders whose legacies would continue to inspire generations within the University community. He extolled Professor *Boyo's* sincerity, openness and exemplary leadership, describing her as a trusted adviser, an exceptional listener, an outstanding role model and praising her peerless conflict-resolution skills. Fondly referring to her as "Mama Strategist", he also described Professor *OMOBITAN* as an accomplished scholar and administrator, while commending Mr *OLAYINKA* for his immense contributions to strengthening the University's financial administration.
Several other senior officers also paid heartfelt tributes to the celebrants and offered prayers for their continued good health, long life, and greater accomplishments. Among them were the Dean, Postgraduate School, Professor Ibrahim *OLATEJU*; Director, LASUSBAS, Professor Yunus *DAUDA*; former Dean, Faculty of Science, Professor Moses *AKANBI*; Director, Directorate of Internal Audit, Mrs Margaret *OGUNKOYA*; Director, Centre for General Nigerian Studies (CGNS), Professor M. O. B. *MOHAMMED*; and the Senior Deputy Registrar, Postgraduate School, Mr Samuel *OTESANYA*; among others.
Professor Adenike Omotunde *BOYO* in her appreciation message expressed profound gratitude to Almighty God for granting her the grace to successfully complete two terms as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration). She sincerely appreciated the Vice-Chancellor for her confidence, unwavering support and enduring friendship throughout their years of working together, describing her as "a friend, an inspiring leader and an exceptional boss".
Professor *BOYO* also thanked members of the University community for their cooperation, encouragement and support over the years, adding that she considered it a privilege to be retiring fulfilled, accomplished, and in good health. She equally appreciated everyone who contributed to the success of the memorable celebration.
In his remarks, Professor Olufunso Abayomi *OMOBITAN* thanked the Vice-Chancellor for her visionary leadership and acknowledged the support he received from members of the University's management throughout his tenure. He also expressed gratitude for the thoughtful recognition of their service to the institution.
The immediate past Bursar, Mr Sa'id Babatunde Olayinka*, FCA, reflected on the enormous responsibilities associated with the office of the Bursar, noting that every decision taken during his tenure was guided by the best interests and financial stability of the University. He expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor for her unwavering support and prayed for the successful completion of her tenure in September 2026.
The highlight of the celebration was a joyous dance session involving the Vice-Chancellor, members of the University's Management and the celebrants. This was followed by the cutting of the commemorative cake and the presentation of gifts to the former members of Management in appreciation of their meritorious service to the University.
The memorable ceremony concluded with an appreciation speech by the University Registrar, Mr Emmanuel A. Fanu*, who thanked the Office of the Vice-Chancellor for organising a befitting celebration in honour of three distinguished administrators whose service greatly enriched Lagos State University.
The Vote of Thanks was delivered by the Deputy Registrar (Vice-Chancellor's Office), Dr Lateef *SHEKONI*, while the closing prayer was offered by Professor Yunus *DAUDA*, bringing to a close a colourful and inspiring celebration dedicated to honouring excellence, integrity, outstanding leadership, and selfless service.
The event was attended by Deans of Faculties, Directors, Heads of Departments and Units, members of the University community, as well as family members, friends and well-wishers of the celebrants.
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