Beyond the Office: The Woman Leading LASU
“Her appointment marks a new chapter, but the years of work that preceded it provide a window into the experience she brings to the role”
Before the title came decades of learning, teaching, and service. Now, Professor Ayodeji Olawunmi Badejo takes on a new chapter at Lagos State University. What does it take to rise from the classroom to the highest office in a university? For Professor Ayodeji Olawunmi Badejo, the answer lies in decades of academic work, research, mentorship, and service. Born on 4 August 1962, Professor Badejo is a scholar of Counselling Psychology whose academic journey spans more than three decades.
She earned her Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) in 1983, a Bachelor of Education degree in 1986, a Master of Education degree in 1988, and a PhD in Guidance and Counselling in 1998.Her connection with Lagos State University extends beyond the classroom. Before her appointment as the University’s 10th substantive Vice-Chancellor, she served in several academic and administrative positions, including Dean of the Faculty of Education and Chairman of the Senate Curriculum Committee. In these roles, she contributed to academic programme development and university administration.
Her work also includes mentoring future scholars. According to LASU’s official profile, she supervised 23 PhD graduates between 2012 and 2026 and has produced more than 80 academic publications, including books, book chapters, and journal articles. On 9 September 2026, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu approved her appointment as Vice-Chancellor.
She assumed office in September, succeeding Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello. Her appointment marks a new chapter, but the years of work that preceded it provide a window into the experience she brings to the role. For the LASU community, getting to know the person behind the title means looking beyond the office itself to the academic journey, responsibilities, and contributions that shaped her path to leadership. As Professor Badejo begins her tenure, her story is now part of the continuing story of Lagos State University.
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