Congratulations to the New Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University

OUR NEW LEADER, OUR NEW MENTOR, OUR NEW SERVANT Congratulations to the New Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University I, Lawal Bello, Director General of the Education Information Society of Nigeria, do not write merely to congratulate Professor Ayodeji Olawunmi Badejo on her appointment as the new Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU). Rather, I write to remind her that life has presented her with a great opportunity to add value to education and write her name in the history of Lagos State and Nigeria. This appointment is not an ordinary cause for celebration. It is a position connected to the future and destiny of thousands of students, members of staff and families. Therefore, beyond congratulations, she deserves our sincere prayers. Position and power are not merely occasions for jubilation; they are calls to service and accountability. History has shown that the same office can either build a reputation or damage one. Some leaders left office as heroes and symbols of integrity, while others left with damaged legacies. Today, all eyes are on you. You are being welcomed not with celebration alone, but with serious prayers because of the enormous responsibility ahead. This is an opportunity that can transform you into a national heroine or make your administration a national lesson. Expect criticism and expect praise. Leadership attracts both supporters and opponents. The number of your critics may multiply, but welcome them all and listen with wisdom and understanding. The office of the LASU Vice-Chancellor goes beyond academic qualifications. It requires wisdom, integrity, courage, fairness, compassion and an understanding of the realities facing students, parents and staff. LASU serves both the rich and the poor, and every student deserves equal opportunity and justice. Do not celebrate too early. Let the greatest celebration come at the successful completion of your tenure. Today, special recognition also goes to your predecessor, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, for her remarkable service and contributions to Lagos State University throughout her five-year tenure. To our new Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ayodeji Olawunmi Badejo: you deserve our prayers more than our celebration. Welcome to the battle of service. May God guide your decisions, strengthen your leadership, protect your integrity and grant you a successful and impactful tenure. We pray that you shall succeed. Signed: Lawal Bello Director General Education Information Society of Nigeria “Let the son of nobody become somebody without knowing anybody.”