Steady uninterrupted academic Calendar instituted in LASUED — VC

Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), Prof. Bilkis Lafiaji-Okuneye, has said that the institution has successfully established a stable and uninterrupted academic calendar designed to stand the test of time and position the university for sustained excellence.

Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, Lafiaji-Okuneye described the management style of the institution as pragmatic and inclusive, noting that it has encouraged students’ proactiveness in learning and enabled timely graduation.

The pioneer Vice Chancellor attributed the remarkable growth in student population, from 3,500 students at the 100 level in 2023 to about 16,000 at the 400 level in 2026, to the institution’s uninterrupted academic structure and other progressive policies.

According to her, the university’s achievements over the past three years reflect deliberate efforts to prioritise staff welfare, create a conducive teaching and learning environment, and instil strong moral values among students.

She explained that the management adopts a broad-based decision-making approach that carries all stakeholders along, thereby preventing disputes capable of disrupting the academic calendar.

“Our policies are tailored to provide contemporary solutions that meet the needs of the majority within the university community,” she said.

Lafiaji-Okuneye noted that the institution has recorded significant progress in academic programmes, infrastructure development, and community relations, particularly with its host communities in Oto-Ijanikin, where the main campus is located, and Epe, home to the satellite campus.

“We are moving in the right direction in terms of infrastructure. In the last two years, three teaching and learning facilities have been constructed across the main and Epe campuses.

“The Lagos State Government is also constructing a 750-capacity auditorium at the Epe campus, which is nearing completion. Additionally, the management has upgraded facilities at the Epe campus to modern standards to complement those at the main campus,” she said.

The Vice Chancellor emphasised that the institution’s growing student population requires sustained infrastructure expansion to meet increasing demands.
She added that the university’s growing reputation has attracted support from donors, including the traditional ruler of Oto, the Oloto of Oto, who donated a 250-seater lecture hall, while plans are underway by Chief Fannimokun to construct a 1,500-seater ICT centre.

According to her, discussions are ongoing for the release of funds to commence the project in the near future.
Lafiaji-Okuneye commended the Lagos State Government and TETFund for their continued support, stressing that LASUED remains committed to producing highly skilled teachers and industry leaders with strong moral values.

She, however, noted that despite the progress made, increased funding would be necessary to sustain infrastructure development and academic expansion in line with the growing student population.
Highlighting the institution’s governance model, the Vice Chancellor said the management has consistently prevented disruptions through regular engagement with students and stakeholders, ensuring that grievances are addressed promptly before escalating.

“We operate an open-door policy that prioritises dialogue and negotiation over unilateral decision-making. This has helped foster peace and stability within the university community,” she said.
She added that the result of these pragmatic approaches is an institutionalised, interruption-free academic calendar, which has become a major attraction for prospective students.

“The no-lull academic calendar has continued to drive students’ choice of LASUED, as reflected in the geometric growth in our population within just four years of establishment,” she said.

Lafiaji-Okuneye expressed optimism that the solid foundation already laid would enable future administrations to sustain and build upon the institution’s progress.