GOVERNOR SANWO-OLU APPOINTS PROFESSOR AYODEJI OLAWUNMI BADEJO AS 10TH SUBSTANTIVE LASU VICE-CHANCELLOR
LAGOS — Lagos State Governor and Visitor to Lagos State University (LASU), Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has appointed Professor Ayodeji Olawunmi Badejo as the 10th Substantive Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University.
The appointment was announced on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, in a statement issued by the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso.
According to the statement, the appointment was made in accordance with the provisions of the Lagos State University Law 2004 (as amended), Ch. L69, Vol. 7, Schedule 1, Section 3, which governs the appointment of the university’s Vice-Chancellor.
Professor Badejo, a distinguished academic, counselling psychologist and experienced university administrator, will succeed Distinguished Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, whose tenure expires on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
She is expected to assume office on Sunday, September 20, 2026, for a single five-year term.
Professor Badejo’s Academic and Professional Profile
Born on August 4, 1962, Professor Badejo has over three decades of experience in teaching, research, academic administration, mentorship, institutional leadership and pedagogical innovation.
She obtained her NCE in 1983, B.Ed. in 1986, M.Ed. in 1988 and PhD in Guidance and Counselling in 1998. She subsequently rose through the academic ranks to become a Professor of Counselling Psychology.
At LASU, Professor Badejo has held several strategic positions at departmental, faculty and university-wide levels. Her responsibilities have included membership of the Lagos State University Governing Council and chairmanship of the Senate Curriculum Committee, among other assignments.
As Chairman of the Senate Curriculum Committee, she played a significant role in curriculum development and validation, academic planning and ensuring that the University’s programmes remained aligned with the requirements of the National Universities Commission (NUC). She also contributed to the development and introduction of new academic programmes.
As Dean of the Faculty of Education, Professor Badejo provided academic and administrative leadership that contributed to the Faculty’s growth. During her tenure, about 20 academic staff attained the professorial cadre, while all programmes in the Faculty secured full NUC accreditation.
She has also demonstrated experience in institutional management, financial stewardship and resource mobilisation. As Chairman of the LASU International School Board, she led initiatives that strengthened the School’s financial and operational position. Under her leadership, capital reserves reportedly increased from approximately ₦88,000 to ₦121 million, while structural financial deficits were eliminated.
Her tenure also recorded growth in staff strength and student enrolment, alongside sustained strong performance in public examinations.
Professor Badejo is equally recognised for her commitment to doctoral education and academic mentorship. Between 2012 and 2026, she successfully supervised 23 PhD graduates, earning recognition as a “Mentor of Mentors.” One of the scholars she supervised received the 2024 Best PhD Thesis Award.
A prolific scholar, Professor Badejo has authored four books, contributed 17 book chapters and published more than 60 peer-reviewed journal articles, bringing her scholarly output to over 80 major publications.
Her academic contributions extend beyond conventional scholarship to innovation and social impact, including the development of a patented Youth Anthem associated with Lagos State University.
She has also played a significant role in research ethics and governance as Chairman of the LASU Research Ethics Committee, where she has provided leadership in the ethical review of research protocols and capacity-building for committee members through professional training and collaboration with relevant bodies.
Beyond LASU, Professor Badejo has contributed to the counselling profession through leadership and professional service. She is a Fellow of the Counselling Association of Nigeria (CASSON) and a Fellow of the Association of Professional Counsellors in Nigeria (APROCON). She is also affiliated with professional and scholarly organisations, including the American Psychological Association and the Nigerian Academy of Education.
Her accomplishments have attracted national and international recognition, including the Key to the City of Niagara Falls, New York. She received fellowship recognition from CASSON in 2015 and APROCON in 2022, while in 2025 she was honoured in Pretoria, South Africa, with a Distinguished Personality Award for Excellence in Higher Education in Africa.
With her extensive academic experience, research record, administrative competence and institutional knowledge, Professor Ayodeji Olawunmi Badejo assumes the leadership of Lagos State University with a career defined by academic excellence, innovation, service, ethical governance, mentorship and commitment to the advancement of higher education.
