Kakalistiq.com reports that the Vice-Chancellor of the Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), Professor Bidemi Bilkis Lafiaji-Okuneye, has encouraged staff members to cultivate unity and love within the institution as they collaborate to propel the university to new heights.
Professor Lafiaji-Okuneye made this appeal on Thursday, October 27, 2023, during a recent prayer session organized by the university’s management at Senator Oluremi Tinubu Hall on the main campus in Oto-Ijanikin. The event brought together Christian and Muslim staff members who gathered to seek divine guidance and express gratitude for the university’s accomplishments.
Christian leaders, including Dr. Egbetokun Samuel, Asikhia Olubusayo, Deacon Okebukola Alexander Olufemi, and Pastor Asaju Stephen, led the Christian prayer session. Simultaneously, the Muslim prayer session was overseen by Alhaji Muhideen, the Grand Imam of the Oto-Ijanikin campus, Dr. Ishola, the Chief Imam of Odo-Noforija, Epe Campus, Dr. Salahudeen Arriyady, Dr. Quozeem Ajagbe, Khalifa Otuniyi, Dr. Salako, Mr. Asamu Rasheed, Mr. Abdul Rauf, and Mr. Salami Idris.
The prayer session was attended by prominent members of the university’s management, including the Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Dr. Adeniyi Daodu; the Librarian, Dr. Abayomi Imam; the Registrar, Mr. Opeoluwa Akinfemiwa; and the Bursar, Mr. Abdul Ganiu Adeniyi Ajose. Staff members from both Odo Noforija, Epe, and the main campus in Oto-Ijanikin participated in the event.
The prayer session served not only as an occasion to express gratitude for the university’s achievements but also to reaffirm the institution’s commitment to divine guidance.
Following the prayer sessions, Professor Lafiaji-Okuneye addressed the university congregation and reiterated the university’s milestones. She emphasized the university management’s continuous efforts to strengthen relationships between the institution, local communities, and government agencies.
As part of these efforts, the university management paid courtesy visits to the traditional rulers of host communities, including the Oloto of Oto, Onijanikin of Ijanikin, Aladeshoyin of Odo-Noforija, and Olu-Epe of Epe kingdom. Additionally, they visited government agencies such as the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), the Nigeria University Commission (NUC), and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).
Notably, the LASUED Community Relations Committee, inaugurated for both Oto-Ijanikin and Odo Noforija, Epe, in August 2023, has played a pivotal role in fostering positive relationships between the university community and its surrounding communities and government agencies.
Under Professor Bidemi Bilkis Lafiaji-Okuneye’s leadership, LASUED achieved significant milestones, including the Nigeria University Commission (NUC) granting resource verification for sixty-six out of sixty-seven programs offered at the university. Only civic education remained unverified due to the absence of the BMAS.
The academic year 2022-2023 concluded successfully with the completion of the second-semester examinations in September 2023. The university is currently in the process of accepting admissions for the 2023–2024 academic year, with the release of merit lists and other lists to follow.
The university congregation, a vital statutory organ of LASUED, plays an essential role in shaping the institution’s future, bringing together a diverse group of university staff to participate in significant discussions and decision-making processes.
