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LASU VC, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello
The Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, has urged newly admitted students in the School of Part-Time Studies to speak up against any form of harassment or assault.
Addressing the freshers at the 2024/2025 matriculation ceremony, on Friday, she emphasised LASU’s zero tolerance for sexual and gender-based violence.
“Do not keep silent when you are harassed or assaulted in any manner. ‘If you see something, say something,’” she stated.
She further mentioned the university’s commitment to ensuring a safe and supportive environment for students, citing the establishment of the Directorate of Response and Prevention of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence as a proactive measure.
“The University under my administration has zero tolerance for sexual and gender-based violence, and that informed our decision to establish this directorate,” she added.
Olatunji-Bello congratulated the new students on their admission and encouraged them to maximise the opportunities LASU offers.
“You have worked hard to get to this point, and now you have the opportunity to expand your knowledge, improve your skills, and shape your future,” she told the students.
She reassured them that LASU’s part-time program was structured to accommodate students juggling work, family, and other commitments while providing quality education, expert faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities.
While acknowledging that a university is a place of freedom, she emphasised that at LASU, freedom comes with responsibilities.
She said, “LASU is a student-centered university, a place for grooming generational leaders. However, that freedom comes with obligations and boundaries. We take pride in training students for life, focusing on character development.”
She outlined essential expectations for students, including regular attendance in lectures, completing assignments on time, shunning deviant behaviours and indecent dressing, and avoiding cultism, corruption, and examination malpractices.
“Carefully choosing friendships, as “bad friends destroy good habits.”
She warned that any student found guilty of misconduct would face strict disciplinary actions in line with LASU regulations.
The Director of the School of Part-Time Studies, Prof. Oluwatobi Pemede, told the new intakes, that their admission into LASU was a reflection of their hard work and determination.
“Today marks a significant milestone in your academic journey as you all officially become members of this great citadel and prestigious institution,” he stated.
Addressing the students, Pemede urged them to see university life as an opportunity for personal development, networking, and intellectual exploration.
“Now that you have all become members of the University Community, it has become your responsibility to embrace challenges, ask questions, and seek knowledge. Build meaningful relationships with your lecturers, colleagues, and the community,” he advised.
He reiterated LASU’s core values of excellence, innovation, and inclusivity, urging the students to uphold these principles throughout their academic journey.
