LASU Leads the Way in Quality Programs, Declares Prof. Olatunji-Bello at MPA Orientation

Rep of the VC and Dean, FMS, Prof. Raheem Akewushola addressing the MPA students at the orientation

Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, the vice chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU), has stated that the institution continues to be the model for high-quality curricula in Nigerian universities.

She said this during the Masters in Public Administration (MPA) orientation programme on Saturday, October 14, 2023 at the Faculty of Management Sciences’ main campus in Ojo, Lagos’ 2-in-1 Julius Berger Hall.

The Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences, Prof. Raheem Akewushola, addressed on the Vice Chancellor’s behalf during the programme.

She complimented the students on passing the program’s screening and expressed her confidence in their ability to succeed during their time at the university.

“I congratulate you for attaining this height. It is our delight to have you here. LASU is the flagship of quality academic programmes in Nigerian universities. Orientation is to get you familiar with the university and also to address some salient issues.

The truth is you are here for a purpose, and you must achieve it. Your destination is Masters in Public Administration (MPA) and a springboard to greater heights,” Professor Olatunji-Bello said.

She ended her remarks by advising the students to be focused and abide by the rules and regulations of the university. She wished them a successful academic sojourn.

The Dean, Faculty of Management Sciences, Prof. Raheem Akewushola, in his address as a strategist, hinged his admonition on “destination, direction, and discipline.”

He posited that the destination would be the attainment of the MPA; direction involves: attending classes regularly, adhering strictly to the extant rules of the University, fulfilling financial obligations, avoiding examination malpractice, which the University has Zero tolerance for; while discipline entails doing what is right at all times and refraining from vices that could bring one’s name into disrepute,

He reiterated the vision of the Vice Chancellor of LASU becoming the best in West Africa, in not a distant time.
“Throughout your stay here, be good ambassadors of LASU. You are all middle level managers. Aside from the pursuit of MPA qualification, this is a good platform to network and cross fertilisation of ideas. Honestly, MPA is unique and fundamental to policy formulation,” he ended his address.

On the part of the Dean, Postgraduate School, Prof. Ibrahim Olateju, he told the students they were in the right place to acquire knowledge. He assured that whatever challenges they encounter, their complaints would be treated with utmost dispatch as the university operates an open door policy.

The Head of Department, Public Administration, Prof. Salami Afegbua, talking on “I love Public Administration,” averred that Public Administration should not be about personal interest, but the good of the larger populace. He added that public administration is all-encompassing and cut across all the strata of human life, be it planning, organisation, communication, budgeting, and more. He stated that at the end of their academic stint, they should be better than when they started. He wished them well.

A former Dean, Faculty of Management Sciences, Prof. Banji Fajonyomi, in his short talk, asserted that there is no limit to knowledge, especially additional qualification, which would always give one the edge in the midst of multitude. He enjoined the participants to build good relationships and network and never see gratification as an entitlement.

The last speaker, Dean, Students’ Affairs, Prof. Tajudeen Olumoko admonished the mature students to adhere strictly to the rules and regulations of the university.

Just before the orientation programme got underway, the Coordinator, MPA, Dr. (Mrs) Fatimo Aliu administered the oath of office on the Lagos State University Masters in Public Administration (LASUMPA) executives and inaugurated them. Thereafter, Prof. Fajonyomi presented certificates to the executives.

The elected president, LASUMPA, Mr Olayode Ajose, in his speech, thanked those who elected the executives and others for reposing confidence in the team. He assured that their interest would always be of paramount importance to the team.

The programme ended on a gratitude note, with the vote of thanks given by the class governor, Miss Ayomide Adekoya.

Others present at the programme are Prof. Friday Nchuchuwe, Quality Assurance, FMS, Former H.O.D, Public Administration, Prof. Akhakpe Ighodalo, the Administrative Secretary, Postgraduate School, Dr. Olugbenga Oduyomi, Dr. Okewale, Dr. Ashade, Dr. Ojikutu and Dr. (Mrs) Ojo.