Gen Olanrewaju Backs Badejo’s Appointment as LASU Vice Chancellor
By KEMI KASUMU
According to him, he had criticised the previous process that produced the outgoing Vice Chancellor, alleging that the exercise was designed in a manner that did not give adequate consideration to indigenous interests.
Former Minister of Communications, Major General Tajudeen Olanrewaju (Rtd), has congratulated Professor Ayodeji Olawunmi Badejo on her appointment as the new Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU).
Olanrewaju, in a statement he personally signed and dated Thursday September 11, 2026, said the process of selecting university leaders should reflect the peculiarities and expectations of the communities where such institutions are located.
He noted that indigenous citizens of Lagos have traditionally viewed LASU as a state-owned institution established, among other objectives, to provide qualified indigenes with opportunities to participate fully in its development and leadership.
According to him, he had criticised the previous process that produced the outgoing Vice Chancellor, alleging that the exercise was designed in a manner that did not give adequate consideration to indigenous interests.
The retired general said his criticism at the time was made “with the best of intentions,” adding that Lagos indigenes had experienced what he described as domination in the economic, political, social and cultural affairs of the state.
However, Olanrewaju said the recent appointment of Badejo represented a departure from what he described as the shortcomings of the previous process.
“I read her bio-data in detail. It explains her brilliance and academic attainments. It is explicitly excellent,” he said.
He added that Badejo’s academic credentials were impressive and that he understood she had emerged as the top candidate in the selection interview.
According to him, the new Vice Chancellor’s performance during the selection process was also impressive, while his interaction with her further strengthened his positive assessment of her suitability for the position.
Olanrewaju therefore congratulated Badejo on her appointment and expressed the hope that she would have a successful tenure at the university.
“I congratulate Mrs Badejo and wish her a successful tenure as the new Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University, LASU,” he said.
