The Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), Ijanikin, Lagos, held its maiden matriculation for 3,300 students for the 2022/2023 academic session.
At the matriculation event, the vice-chancellor of LASUED, Prof. Bidemi Lafiaji-Okuneye, warned the new students against breaching the rules and regulations of the university.
The maiden matriculation of LASUED attracted Lagos State government officials, traditional rulers, representatives of two vice-chancellors, governing council chairman of the university, Alhaja Sekinat Yusuf, senate members, deans, heads of departments, representative of the Special Adviser on Education to the Governor, Mr. Kasali Adediran, parents and well-wishers.
The VC’s words: “Be reminded that the oath you are taking is to be obedient to the VC, all those in authority and to be of good conduct throughout your stay in this university. Be warned that a breach of the oath will definitely attract appropriate sanctions.
“Therefore, I admonish you to steer clear of cultism, hooliganism and other forms of social menace that may impugn the integrity of this young, promising institution.”
Prof. Lafiaji-Okuneye reminded the new students that although the distance between matriculation and convocation is quite wide, it is important that the journey ends successfully. “Thus, you need to attend lectures regularly and promptly do all your assignment.”
She told the students that, to finish well, they should ignore discordant views, shun deviant behaviours and disregard any vices inimical to the public good.
The VC advised the students to participate in the co-curricular activities available on campus, adding, “Our facilities are standard by all measures. Avail yourselves of these opportunities, not only to excel in learning but possibly to become our sports ambassadors as well. It is very important for you to strive to uphold the ideals of this university.’’
Lafiaji-Okuneye revealed that over 8,000 candidates applied to LASUED to study various education courses and, of the number, only 3,300 candidates who passed the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and the screening conducted by LASUED were offered admission.
“It should be noted that the university’s capacity for admission was pegged at 3,300 by the National Universities Commission, based on the result of the resource verification exercise conducted in the last quarter of 2022.
“Significantly, the wide margin between the number of candidates, who applied to LASUED and those given admission underscores the justification of the Lagos State government’s decision to establish more universities,” she said.
The VC also urged stakeholders to support the university to attain its noble dreams and aspirations of becoming the teacher education destination of choice. She said, with the event, LASUED had made a statement.
Lafiaji-Okuneye lauded Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for establishing the university, whose law was passed by the Lagos State House of Assembly on November 22, 2021, and signed into law by the governor on February 2, 2022.
She said LASUED was not established simply to add to the number of universities dotting the higher education landscape of Nigeria but to provide quality teacher education.
The VC appealed to the governor to build in each of the two campuses a 1,000 capacity lecture theatre, a standard senate building, and a befitting main auditorium.
Lafiaji-Okuneye expressed her determination to build on the established leading position in the teacher education sector to become a highly sought university of education within the shortest time possible.
She added that: “We are prepared to deliver on our mandate of producing graduates who are globally competitive and can contribute meaningfully to national development.’’