It was a day of unending encomiums as the who is who in the legal and academic community gathered to celebrate a man who many described as a bridge builder, innovative leader and an embodiment of humility, Professor Olanrewaju Adigun Fagbohun SAN, NPOM, the Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University whose tenure will end in January, 2020.
The event was the official launching of the TV documentary and a Compendium titled “Effective University Administration in Honour of the Vice Chancellor who has been named the Iconic Fagbohun by the Icon Builders Concepts, an innovative agency with specialization in identifying and showcasing great achievers across varying fields in Nigeria and diaspora.
The event which took place at the Radisson Blu hotel Lagos drew notable persons, including the former deputy Governor of Lagos State Princess Orelope Adejoke Adefulire who was the Book presenter, Professor Epiphany Azinge, SAN, OON – the guest speaker, Is-haq Olanrewaju Oloyede – JAMB Registrar, Adebayo Ninalowo – Pro-Chancellor of the Lagos State University, Justice Olukayode Ogunjobi, Judge of the Lagos State High Court, past Vice chancellors of LASU, Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Professors, heads of institutions too numerous to list and friends and well wishers.
Some of the outstanding qualities and achievements of Prof. Fagbohun which were highlighted during the event were his bridge building ability which reconciled the Management and Union members of the institution which many say is unprecedented. The various aggressive infrastructural development and pursuit of academic excellence which has put LASU as the first among State Universities and 2nd best University in Nigeria according to the global education ranking body – Times Higher Education.
Perhaps a run down of some of the achievements of Prof. Fagbohun SAN compiled by Centre for Information Press and Public Relations, Lagos State University contributed to the school’s recent ranking:
- Restoration of peace at the Citadel of Learning that has resulted in an uninterrupted Academic Calendar;
- Secured accreditation for all Academic programs;
- Clearance of backlog of Certificates;
- Resuscitation of a number of University Programmes:
- Pre-Degree Studies, Epe Campus, Lagos
- LASU Foundation [JUPEB,] Badagry Campus, Lagos
- Sandwich Degree Programmes, Ojo Campus, Lagos;
- Introduction of additional new academic programmes at the Postgraduate School;
- Introduction of new academic Programmes-Pharmacology, Early Childhood Education, Local Government Studies
- Establishment of Open and Distance Learning & Research Institute [ODLRI];
- Constitution and Inauguration of the LASU Taskforce on External System which ensured that thousands of outstanding results were cleared and the External System sanitized;
- Consistently organizing Convocation Ceremonies (Four so far under his leadership) and Inaugural Lectures;
- Commencement of LASU conversion programme for HND holders;
- LASU became an Africa Centre for Excellence in STEM Education;
- Payment of all outstanding staff arrears and honorarium;
- Consistent payment of end of year bonus to members of staff;
- Cleared all outstanding promotions;
- Hosting of the Maiden edition of the Lagos State University Long Service Awards for Staff;
- Establishment of value adding Directorates and Centres like: Directorate of Advancement, Open and Distance Learning and Research Institute, Directorate of Research Management, Directorate of Linkages, LASU Careers Development Centre, amongst others;
- Internationalization of Lagos State University Academic Programmes e.g Cornel and Indiana Universities;
- Increased numbers of Inaugural Lectures delivered;
- Attracted private donations of infrastructure such as the Aderemi Makanjuola Lecture Theatre; Construction of Model Healthcare Centre by SDG Office, CBT Centre;
- Fostered good relationship with state government leading to the award of contract for the construction of 8, 200 capacity bed hostel; Independent Power Plant (IPP) etc;
- Completion and hand-over of a 3- Storey Lagos State University School of Communication Building funded with the NEEDS Assessment Intervention Fund;
- Construction and Furnishing of a Two-Storey Institute of Organic Agriculture and Green Economy Building at Epe Campus with funding from Tertiary Education Fund (TETFUND);
- Completion of Construction and Furnishing of a Three-Storey School of Agriculture Building at Epe Campus with funding from Tertiary Education Fund (TETFUND);
- Strategic Alliance with Providus Bank for the construction of 500 seat CBT Centre
- Communication Building funded with the NEEDS Assessment Intervention Fund;
- Renovation of roads and drainages across the University;
- Purchase of Security tools and Equipment (Cars, Motorcycles, etc) and re-training of Security Operatives for greater efficiency;
- Activation of Lagos State University International School (LASUIS) and official commencement of Academic activities;
- Institution of a Distinguished Guest Lecture Series – To train, mentor students and foster harmonious relationship between the “Town” and the “Gown”
- Embrace of technology to create solutions via the creation of Applications (LASUIS, Teaching Evaluation, LASU Monitor, E-Help Desk, amongst others
- Access to TetFund-sponsored scholarships and conferences by members of staff;
- Creation of a Central Admission Screening Application to serve as an electronic processing hub for all admission phases, this application is the first of its kind and can be adopted for admission processing in other Higher Institutions in Nigeria;
- Regular and fruitful engagements with Staff and Students’ Union;
- Peaceful conduct of all Elections of the Students’ Union via Electronic voting since 2016 till date;
- Activation of the Lagos State University [LASU] Radio 95.7FM;
- Creation of University Anthem;
And many more…
Prof. Fagbohun SAN became the 8th substantive Vice Chancellor of LASU on 4th January, 2016. Prior to his appointment he was the Director of Studies and Director of Research in the school and Chike Idigbe Distinguished Professor of Law at the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS). During his tenure, he was honoured by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with the National Merit Award on Productivity – National Productivity Order on Merit (NPOM). He was also conferred with the prestigeous rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
Read Prof. Fagbohun SAN’s full profile here