By By: Sola Omoniyi
Newly Appointed LASUSTECH Vice Chancellor, Prof. Odusanya Visits Ikorodu Monarch, Seeks Synergy
The substantive vice chancellor of Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) Ikorodu, Prof. Olumuyiwa Omotola visited the Ayanburen of Ikorodu Kingdom, Oba Kaniru Adewale Shotobi on 2nd of November 2022.
The newly appointed vice chancellor by the Lagos state government paid a surprise visit to the king’s palace in a bid to secure a elegant connection for the growth of its educational district.
He’s Warmly accepted by the paramount ruler, the palace was also filled by his council of chiefs, Baales, Osugbos’ and Erelus’.
LASUSTECH was transformed into a full-fledged University in 2021 by governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the visitation opened doors to an administrative synergy, a channel for constructive counselling and a trajectory to gain massive growth.
Welcoming Prof Odusanya, who was also chaperoned by his managerial arm, the senior adviser to the king and the Agbakin of Ikorodu kingdom, Otunba Ayodele Elesho, congratulated the new VC, putting in that the palace is not startled about the appointment of Prof. Odunsanya based on his rich credentials. Deeming Prof. Odusanya fit for the job, Otunba Elesho exhorted the VC not to make his first visit to the palace a one-off affair, he cautioned the VC to always consult with the Kabiesi to fare well in his organisational method to making the University a top class standard.
Otunba Elesho continued, “If there is peace in Ikorodu, it means there must be peace in the campus, which is also vice versa. And in building such an alliance, the new VC has a very essential function to play”.
“Over the years, we’ve had rectors who’ve listened to the Kabiesi and thrived in office, we also had the one that refused to heed, and had been dishonoured out of office. What am saying in a nutshell, is Kabiesi’s non-financial demands from the university bureaucrats can only lead to growth in the institution and Ikorodu in general”.
“In the line operation, we ask that our children should be favoured in rooms of recruitment, and the ones with credible qualifications should also be accepted in areas of appointments”.
Otunba Elesho in addition said that Oba Shotobi will periodically send messages and delegates to the VC on essential levels that will aid the institution, asserting that the king’s goals will never temper with the school’s administration”.
“Before Laspotech became the Lasustech we’re seeing today, the palace has been reaching out to the Lagos State Government, through Ikorodu general hospital to have a Teaching Hospital annex here in Ikorodu. But now that we have a University in Ikorodu, it is only right that we facilitate a standard University Teaching Hospital” Otunba Elesho inferred Otunba Ganiyu Olusegun Abiru, executive secretary, of the Ikorodu division peace initiative (IDPIL) in his brief speech, reached out to the VC for a security partnership to combat cultism on the campus.
According to Otunba Abiru, the Ikorodu division peace initiative harbours over 180 security operatives working around the division to maintain peace and tranquillity.
“The issue of cultism is a major task that Ikorodu division peace initiative is fighting tooth and nails to eliminate for us to create a serene learning environment for our children”.
Pointing out that cultism thrives more in the universities, Otunba Abiru requested the VC look into having a synergy between the Ikorodu division peace initiative and Lasustech to combat the crisis effectively.
The Ayangburen of Ikorodu kingdom, Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi, in his remarks, lauded the new VC for the rare visit, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu.
He stated that the main reason Ikorodu is growing fast is that the Lagos state government is taking note of the region’s challenges which have brought progress.
Expanding that becoming an opposition can only bring decline to every vision, the king explained that though Ikorodu has not gotten to the promised land yet, its current trajectory is highly promising for a great future.
He proceeded, “We have our own University now, which is good news, but the mechanism needed to drive it is also important, which we can only realise by working together”.
“If we want to achieve top-class standards as an institution, we need some incentives to gain that upgrade”.
Asking the vice chancellor to continually come to the palace if he needs the help of any sought, Oba Shotobi proposed a lasting partnership with the University to develop the region.
Addressing Otunba Elesho’s position on employment opportunities, the king compelled the VC to consider certified indigenes of Ikorodu in areas of recruitment.
Also, in the prospect of trying to realise a Dialysis centre as part of the intended University Teaching Hospital project, the king encouraged the vice chancellor to partner with Dr Taiwo Hassan, MD/CEO of Ikorodu general hospital.
Shifting his attention to the administrative arm of the institution, he called on the VC’s envoys to be upright in discharging their duties. Asking them to stand in the gap and refuse dubious dealings as institute leaders and managers.
“With 63 communities reporting to me, any complaints will be forwarded to the vice chancellor for swift results”.
“We can only grow together when we take advantage of every opportunity that will come our way” The king expressed before raining his blessings on the VC and his entourage.”
Prof. Olumuyiwa Odusanya said that having listened to the king, his traditional heads and stakeholders’ contribution, he’ll work towards aligning his administration with the interest of Ikorodu division.
“The University phase of the school is new and we’re going to upgrade it into that culture, to become a global brand”.
“Looking at imperative areas targeting Infrastructure, manpower development, and productivity of staff and students, we’re poised to elevate the University standard to the league with the world-class”.
“We furthermore plan to direct the University in propelling the Lagos state government agenda on education” Prof. Odusanya added
Prof. Olumuyiwa Omotola Odusanya was born on February 8, 1965. He is a Professor of Public and Community Health and a Fellow of the Medical College in Public Health and Community Medicine ( FMCPH). He holds Master of Public Health from University of Lagos.
It would be recalled that the State Governor, Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu at the take -off of the new university, approved the appointment of the then substantive Rector of the former Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH), Ikorodu , Dr. Nurudeen Olaleye as it’s acting Vice- Chancellor, pending the selection and appointment of the major Vice- Chancellor.
