Reflection of healthy leadership at Lagos State University

By Rashidat Olamidayo Ajakaye

Sir: All establishments thrive not only on existing policies or set structures but also on the quality of the principal leading personalities guiding other members to sustain vision with sharp implementation, measuring of results and necessarily re-strategising.

At Lagos State University, the Vice Chancellor symbolises the centre of formation, co-ordination, direction and service. The tenure of Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello has risen attention on the exact description of healthy leadership – a leadership style that is sanely strategic, fulfilling and responsive.

Healthy leadership entails the ability of not only the leader but also stretching merits of a leader’s ability. The course of health in leadership is not of a definite meaning because it continues recreation of an environment where students, staff and visitors can engage in co-operative and meaningful terms for themselves and the institution.

This article demonstratively reveals the reflective tenure of Professor Olatunji-Bello through the structured support to students, the inclusive conditions provided to members of staff and the accommodating engagement extended to visitors, which in unison signify the applaudable development and public image of the university.

First, the tenure of the 9th substantive vice chancellor of Lagos State University has shown a structured support of students’ academic and personal growth. Students are the core of the tertiary system; the progress of a university setting is measured by how the students’ needs are addressed with seen results of addressing modes. Olatunji-Bello’s tenure inculcated healthy discipline; students were put to constant check through mandatory rules that denied them abrupt, indecent an undisciplined attitude.

Colton (1823) says: “There are two models of establishing our reputation, to be praised by honest men, and to be abused by rogues.” She has simply shown adequate protection of students’ reputation in the present and future by telling them the truth through actions and interesting encouragements.

Students have been seen dressing decently, away from occultic groups through the anti-cult forms and monitoring close-circuit televisions in the school.

Vincent Sowedo who is the general secretary of Language, Arts and Social Science Education, Faculty of Education (2025/2026) says: “During the tenure of our dear VC, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, there was an eradication of cult clashes in the school premise which made the school a safe place for learning.”

There has been a support of the learning environment. The provision and renovation of lecture halls at different faculties with the construction of the biggest university library, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu Library Complex and the integration of digital learning platforms for the enhancement of easy education, such that, students’ overall learning was not left behind in the rising population of applicants and students resultantly.

On another note, the annual scholarship initiated by the vice chancellor has resulted into an increased number of First-class graduates and breaking of First-class barriers arising from departments, faculties who never produced either one or University Best Graduating Student. The effectiveness of healthy leadership is often best reflected in the testimonies of those who directly experience it.

For many students of Lagos State University, the tenure of Olatunji-Bello represented a leadership style rooted in listening, representation, and genuine concern for the university community.

Students’ welfare, curricular and extra-curricular activities began to receive more attention, policies and innovative actions respectively in order to recreate entrepreneurship paths for education. For instance, aside existing entrepreneurship courses, ENT 1000 has been established.

The President of Lagos State University Students’ Union (Hence, LASUSU) in 2022 says the best name to call Professor Olatunji-Bello is “Mama Welfare”. The impact of Olatunji-Bello’s leadership was particularly evident during periods of uncertainty within Nigeria’s educational system. While many universities struggled with disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and industrial actions, Lagos State University continued to maintain relative academic stability.

Reflecting on this experience, Abdulqadri Oluwagbemiga, who served as Chief Whip of LASUSU during the 2020/2021 academic session, stated: “During my time as Chief Whip of LASUSU, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello demonstrated strong administrative leadership and a commitment to academic stability. Despite the COVID-19 disruptions and nationwide strikes affecting many universities, LASU maintained a stable academic calendar under her leadership. She also maintained an open-door relationship with student leaders, encouraging dialogue and constructive engagement.”

Through these efforts, one can humbly agree that the support rendered for students is measured, practical and promising because immediate challenges were solved and designed policies were implemented to prepare students for integrity and success.

Rashidat Olamidayo Ajakaye is of the Lagos State University, Ojo.