MID-TERM REPORT: Professor Olumuyiwa Odusanya Steering LASUSTECH to Global Prominence

The Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) is fast emerging as a powerhouse of academic excellence and innovation, thanks to the transformative leadership of its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olumuyiwa Odusanya. Appointed on September 29, 2022, and assuming office shortly after, Professor Odusanya—one of Nigeria’s most cited scientists and internationally recognized by Stanford University—has led the university through a period of rapid growth and institutional revitalization.

The IMPACT Vision: Driving Sustainable Institutional Growth

At the heart of the university’s transformation is the IMPACT Vision, a strategic six-point blueprint focused on:

• Infrastructure

• Manpower

• Productivity

• Academic excellence

• Alignment with Lagos State’s developmental agenda

• Collaborative entrepreneurship

Professor Odusanya describes the IMPACT Vision as “a pathway not only to national relevance but to global competitiveness.”

Academic Stability and Student Achievement

Unlike many tertiary institutions in Nigeria, LASUSTECH has sustained an uninterrupted academic calendar since inception and is on course to graduate its first four-year cohort by 2026. Under Professor Odusanya, merit is rewarded: high-performing students have received scholarships and endowments, while teams have won national competitions, including the 2025 Hackathon and the 2024 NFVCB contest.

The university’s entrepreneurial orientation ensures students graduate with more than degrees—they leave as innovators and job creators.

Infrastructural Milestones and Strategic Partnerships

Backed by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and the Lagos State Government, LASUSTECH is witnessing unprecedented infrastructural development:

• A central research laboratory, university auditorium, and professorial building are underway.

• The Lagos State Government is building a 750-seat auditorium and student arcade.

• Three academic buildings at the Surulere campus were facilitated by Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.

• The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) donated a fully equipped 160-capacity building.

Additionally, 25 new academic programmes have been presented for accreditation, with accompanying labs, buildings, and equipment in place.

Research and International Recognition

Under Professor Odusanya’s leadership, LASUSTECH has gained international recognition:

• Featured in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.

• Gained reputation status in the World University Ranking.

• Secured multiple TETFund research grants, including a National Research Fund award.

The university has signed international MoUs with Ghanaian institutions and partnered with SAIL Innovation Lab, Huawei, and Dataphyte to provide students with future-ready skills.

Community Engagement and Staff Welfare

Professor Odusanya’s leadership has also prioritized community empowerment:

• Food drives and skills training in host communities.

• Distribution of start-up kits to trained residents.

Staff welfare is equally paramount:

• Car loans, medical support, and end-of-year bonuses are fully implemented.

• Enrolment in Ilera Eko, Lagos State’s health insurance scheme.

• Harmonised salary structure and proactive medical assistance show a people-centered approach.

Accreditation Successes and Professional Linkages

Several academic programmes have received full professional accreditation, including:

• Mass Communication – ARCON

• Estate Management and Valuation – ESVARBON

• Insurance – CIIN

• Banking and Finance – CIBN (with a linkage enabling immediate professional exam progression)

Further verification outcomes for Architecture and Engineering programmes have been favourable, cementing LASUSTECH’s rising credibility.

Defying Distractions, Focused on the Mission

While the administration acknowledges attempts to tarnish its image through misinformation and the unauthorised release of sensitive documents, Professor Odusanya remains resolute.

“These distractions will not deter us. We are focused on positioning LASUSTECH for global recognition,” he stated.

A Promising Future Ahead

As LASUSTECH marks this mid-term milestone, it is evident that Professor Odusanya’s tenure has placed the university on a firm path toward excellence, sustainability, and global relevance. With continued stakeholder engagement, visionary leadership, and strong governance, LASUSTECH is redefining what it means to be a 21st-century university in Africa.

Signed
‘Lanre Kuye
Director, Information and Public Relations