Six things to know about new LASU VC, Ayodeji Badejo

Professor Ayodeji Olawunmi Badejo has been appointed the 10th substantive Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU) by the Lagos State Governor and Visitor to the institution, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

The appointment was made on Wednesday, 9th September 2026, in accordance with the provisions of the LASU Law 2004.

Badejo will take over from Distinguished Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, whose tenure ends on Saturday, 19th September 2026. She is expected to assume office on Sunday, 20th September 2026, for a single five-year term.

The appointment was announced in a statement issued by the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, and made available to journalists by the university’s spokesperson, Mrs. Oluwayemisi Thomas-Onashile.

Tribune Online presents six things to know about the incoming LASU Vice-Chancellor:

She is a professor of Counselling Psychology

Born on 4th August 1962, Badejo is a Professor of Counselling Psychology with more than three decades of experience in university teaching, research, administration and academic development.

She began her academic qualifications with an NCE in 1983 before obtaining a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) in 1986, a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in 1988 and a PhD in Guidance and Counselling in 1998.

She subsequently progressed through the university lecturer ranks to become a professor, building her academic career around Counselling Psychology.

She has held key administrative positions at LASU

Badejo has occupied several leadership positions within LASU, including Chairman of the Senate Curriculum Committee and Dean of the Faculty of Education.

As chairman of the Senate Curriculum Committee, she led efforts to develop and align academic programmes with standards set by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

Her tenure as Dean of the Faculty of Education also saw approximately 20 academic staff members rise to the professorial cadre, while all programmes under the faculty obtained full NUC accreditation.

She has a record of financial management

One of Badejo’s notable administrative achievements came during her time as Chairman of the LASU International School Board.

Under her leadership, the school’s capital reserves increased from approximately ₦88,000 to ₦121 million. The period also saw the elimination of structural financial deficits alongside growth in staff strength and student enrolment.

She has supervised 23 PhD graduates

Badejo has built a reputation as an academic mentor, having supervised 23 PhD graduates between 2012 and 2026.

Her record earned her the moniker “Mentor of Mentors.”

Among those she supervised was the recipient of the 2024 Best PhD Thesis Award, further highlighting her contribution to postgraduate education and academic mentorship.

She has more than 80 major publications

The incoming VC has published more than 80 major academic works, comprising four books, 17 book chapters and over 60 peer-reviewed journal articles.

Her academic contributions also include a patented Youth Anthem for LASU.

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She has chaired the LASU Research Ethics Committee, where she contributed to strengthening the university’s capacity for ethical research.

She has received international recognition

Outside LASU, Badejo is a Fellow of the Counselling Association of Nigeria (CASSON) and the Association of Professional Counsellors in Nigeria (APROCON).

She is also a member of the American Psychological Association and the Nigerian Academy of Education.

Her international recognition includes receiving the Key to the City of Niagara Falls, New York, as well as the 2025 Distinguished Personality Award in Pretoria, South Africa, for excellence in African higher education.

With her background in academic leadership, research, mentorship and institutional administration, Badejo is set to begin a five-year tenure as LASU’s 10th substantive Vice-Chancellor on 20th September 2026.