Lagos State Governor and Visitor to Lagos State University (LASU), Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has appointed Professor Ayodeji Olawunmi Badejo as the university’s 10th substantive Vice-Chancellor.
The appointment was announced on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, in a statement issued by the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso.
Badejo, a Professor of Counselling Psychology and experienced university administrator, will succeed Distinguished Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, whose five-year tenure ends on Saturday, September 19.
The incoming Vice-Chancellor is expected to assume office on Sunday, September 20, for a single five-year term.
Her appointment was made in accordance with the provisions of the LASU Law 2004, as amended, which provides the framework for the selection and appointment of the institution’s Vice-Chancellor.
Born on August 4, 1962, Badejo has spent more than three decades in teaching, research, academic administration, mentorship and institutional leadership.
She obtained her National Certificate in Education (NCE) in 1983, Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) in 1986, Master of Education (M.Ed.) in 1988 and PhD in Guidance and Counselling in 1998.
At LASU, she has held several key positions, including membership of the university’s Governing Council, Chairman of the Senate Curriculum Committee and Dean of the Faculty of Education.
As Chairman of the Senate Curriculum Committee, she played a role in curriculum development and validation, academic planning and the alignment of academic programmes with the requirements of the National Universities Commission (NUC).
She also facilitated the development and introduction of new academic programmes at the university.
During her tenure as Dean of the Faculty of Education, about 20 academic staff rose to the professorial cadre, while all programmes in the faculty secured full NUC accreditation.
Badejo also served as Chairman of the LASU International School Board, where she led initiatives that increased the institution’s capital reserves from approximately N88 million to N121 million and eliminated structural financial deficits.
Under her leadership, the school also recorded increases in staff strength and student enrolment while maintaining strong performance in public examinations.
The professor has equally established a strong record in doctoral supervision and academic mentorship. Between 2012 and 2026, she supervised 23 PhD graduates and was recognised as a “Mentor of Mentors”. One of her supervisees received the 2024 Best PhD Thesis Award.
Her scholarly contributions include four books, 17 book chapters and more than 60 peer-reviewed journal articles, bringing her major academic publications to over 80.
Beyond conventional academic research, Badejo developed a patented Youth Anthem associated with LASU, reflecting her interest in youth development and social impact.
She has also chaired the LASU Research Ethics Committee, where she provided leadership in the ethical review of research protocols and the training of committee members.
Badejo is a Fellow of the Counselling Association of Nigeria (CASSON) and the Association of Professional Counsellors in Nigeria (APROCON). She is also associated with the American Psychological Association and the Nigerian Academy of Education.
Her recognitions include the Key to the City of Niagara Falls, New York; CASSON professional fellowship in 2015; APROCON fellowship in 2022; and a Distinguished Personality Award for excellence in higher education in Africa, presented in Pretoria, South Africa, in 2025.
The university described Badejo as bringing to the Vice-Chancellorship extensive experience in academic scholarship, institutional leadership, curriculum development, financial management, research ethics, innovation and mentorship.
Her appointment comes as LASU prepares for a leadership transition following the completion of Olatunji-Bello’s tenure, with the new administration expected to build on the university’s academic and institutional achievements.
