By Leshi Adebayo
After a number of failed selection processes, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, on Thursday, was appointed the ninth substantive Vice Chancellor of the Lagos State University (LASU).
The Professor of Physiology succeeds Professor Olanrewaju Fagbohun, SAN, who left in January 2021, becoming the second female to occupy the coveted office since the establishment of the state-owned tertiary institution.
Blackbox Nigeria, in this piece, highlights basic facts you need to know about Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello.
1. She was born on April 23, 1964 to Mrs. Jadesola Ibidapo (nee Abraham) of Ita Kose, Lagos Island and Mr Emiola Ibidapo-Okunrinboye of Owo, Ondo State.
2. Between 1970-1974, she had her primary education at Anglican Primary School, Surulere. She also attended Anglicans Girls Grammar School, Surulere between 1974-1979. She later proceeded to Methodist Girls High School, Yaba and, Lagos State College of Science/Technology, Ikosi Campus in 1982 for her A Levels.
3. In 1985, she bagged her B.Sc (Hons) in Physiology from the University of Ibadan. She was awarded an M.Sc in Physiology at the University of Lagos after her NYSC programme in 1987.
4. In 1998, Olatunji-Bello was awarded a PhD in Physiology at the University of Lagos.
5. She holds a Post-graduate Diploma in Theology from RCCG Bible College (2001) and a Post-Graduate in Education (PGDE) at LASU (2018).
6. Between 1988 and 1991, she was an Assistant Lecturer; between 1991 and 1996, she became Lecturer II; and between 1996 and 1999, she became Lecturer 1 (all at the College of Medicine, UNILAG, Idi Araba).
7. She was a Senior Lecturer between 1999 and 2005; Associate Professor between 2005 and 2007 at College of Medicine, UNILAG.
8. In October 2007, she became the first Professor of Physiology in LASU, College of Medicine (LASUCOM).
9. In 2012, she was nominated by the National Universities Commission (NUC) to attend Course 34 at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies in Kuru, Plateau State.
10. She became fellows of the Physiological Society in the U.K (2017) and Physiological Society Of Nigeria respectively. In 2019, she was appointed a fellow of the Society for Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Mitigation.
11. She has held various positions. Between November 2011- January 2013, she was Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics). Later, she was Acting Vice Chancellor LASU twice: July- December 2010 and January- October 2011.
12. She is the pioneering Director of LASU Directorate of Advancement established by former VC, Prof Lanre Fagbohun in 2016.
13. Between 2004 and 2008, she was State Government’s representative on the LASU Governing Council.
14. She has over 53 publications to her credit. She has graduated 4 PhDs and 37 MSc candidates even while supervising more PhD students.
15. She is happily married to Mr. Tunji Bello, a journalist cum lawyer who is currently the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources in Lagos State. The marriage is blessed with 3 children.
16. She is also very active in her religion. She is the Area Pastor in charge of Testimony Chapel, under Lagos Province 1 of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).
Leshi Adebayo
