By Ghazali Ibrahim
Professor Olatunji Abanikannda has praised the Lagos State Government for the appointment of Professor Ayodeji Olawunmi Badejo as the new Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University.
Badejo was appointed the 10th substantive Vice-Chancellor of LASU by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Wednesday, September 9, 2026.
In a lengthy post titled “The Government That Listened,” Abanikannda said the appointment was significant because it followed months of public scrutiny over the university’s leadership succession process.
He claimed that concerns had earlier been raised over the wording of the eligibility requirements, the shortlist of candidates and the composition of the Selection Committee.
According to him, the issues were raised in the interest of transparency and accountability, rather than out of malice.
Abanikannda said the Lagos State Government’s eventual decision demonstrated its willingness to listen to concerns about the process instead of simply endorsing the outcome presented by the outgoing university administration.
“Responsiveness in governance is not a slogan; it is a discipline,” he wrote, arguing that government must be willing to examine contested processes and act where necessary.
He described Badejo’s emergence as an “emergence against the odds” and said the new Vice-Chancellor now has the responsibility of restoring confidence and stability within the university.
Abanikannda congratulated Badejo and wished her wisdom and fortitude as she takes charge of the institution.
He also expressed appreciation to the LASU Governing Council, Senate Selection Committee, Pro-Chancellor and other stakeholders, particularly Sanwo-Olu, for what he described as a peaceful transition.
“I hereby formally rest this case and pray that Lagos State University would grow from glory to glory!” he said.
Badejo succeeds Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, whose five-year tenure as Vice-Chancellor began in September 2021.
