Chief John Okorie has congratulated Professor Badejo Ayodeji Olawunmi (née Faji) on her appointment as the new Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU), describing the development as another significant milestone in the advancement of women in Nigeria’s academic and professional landscape.
The appointment was approved by the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as Professor Badejo takes over the leadership of one of Nigeria’s prominent higher institutions.
Professor Badejo Ayodeji Olawunmi is a Professor of Guidance and Counselling. Born on August 4, 1962, she obtained her Master of Education (M.Ed.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees in Guidance and Counselling from the University of Lagos (UNILAG).
She succeeds Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, who is retiring following the completion of her five-year tenure as Vice-Chancellor of LASU.
Reacting to the appointment, Chief John Okorie described Professor Badejo’s emergence as a remarkable achievement and a reflection of the growing contributions of women to leadership, education and professional development in Nigeria.
According to him, the increasing visibility of women in senior positions across academia, law and other professional sectors demonstrates that competence, experience, dedication and intellectual capacity should remain important considerations in leadership appointments.
“Women are taking over academia and the legal profession, and this is a positive development for our society. Their achievements continue to demonstrate that women have the capacity to lead, innovate and contribute meaningfully to national development,” Chief John Okorie said.
He commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for the appointment and expressed confidence that Professor Badejo would bring her wealth of academic experience, counselling expertise and leadership capacity to the administration of LASU.
Chief John Okorie also congratulated the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, for her service and contributions to the university during her tenure.
He urged the new Vice-Chancellor to build on the achievements of her predecessor while promoting academic excellence, innovation, staff development, student welfare, research and stronger partnerships between LASU and the wider global community.
He further encouraged young women across Nigeria to see the appointment as a source of inspiration, emphasizing that education, professionalism, integrity and perseverance can open doors to leadership at the highest levels.
The appointment of Professor Badejo Ayodeji Olawunmi therefore represents not only a new chapter for LASU, but also another important moment in the continuing advancement of women in Nigeria’s academic and professional leadership.