Lagos State University (LASU) is set to have Professor Ayodeji Olawunmi Badejo as its 10th Substantive Vice-Chancellor following her appointment by the Lagos State Governor and Visitor to the University, Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.
Professor Badejo was appointed on Wednesday, 9th September 2026 and will assume office on Sunday, 20th September 2026, succeeding Distinguished Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, whose tenure ends on Saturday, 19th September 2026.
She will serve a single term of five years.
But who is Professor Ayodeji Olawunmi Badejo?
A PROFESSOR OF COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGY
Professor Badejo was born on 4th August 1962 and is a Professor of Counselling Psychology with more than three decades of experience in academic scholarship, teaching, research, institutional leadership, mentorship and pedagogical innovation.
Her academic qualifications include an NCE obtained in 1983, a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree in 1986, a Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree in 1988 and a PhD in Guidance and Counselling in 1998.
According to the profile released by Lagos State University, her academic career progressed through the lecturer cadre to the rank of Professor, with significant contributions to Counselling Psychology and higher education.
HER EXPERIENCE AT LASU
Professor Badejo has served Lagos State University in several academic and administrative capacities at departmental, faculty and university-wide levels.
She has served as a member of the Lagos State University Governing Council and Chairman of the Senate Curriculum Committee, among other university assignments.
As Chairman of the Senate Curriculum Committee, she contributed to curriculum development and validation, academic planning and the alignment of the University’s academic programmes with the requirements of the National Universities Commission (NUC).
She also facilitated the development and introduction of new academic programmes.
FORMER DEAN OF THE FACULTY OF EDUCATION
Professor Badejo previously served as Dean of the Faculty of Education.
During her tenure, approximately 20 academic staff were promoted to the professorial cadre, while all programmes in the Faculty secured full NUC accreditation.
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL BOARD AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
Professor Badejo also served as Chairman of the Lagos State University International School Board.
According to the University’s profile, she led initiatives that strengthened the School’s financial and operational position.
Under her leadership, the School’s capital reserves increased from approximately ₦88,000 to ₦121 million, while structural financial deficits were eliminated.
Her tenure also witnessed significant growth in staff strength and student enrolment, alongside sustained exceptional performance in public examinations.
MENTOR OF DOCTORAL SCHOLARS
A significant part of Professor Badejo’s academic career has been her contribution to doctoral education and mentorship.
Between 2012 and 2026, she successfully supervised 23 PhD graduates, earning recognition as a “Mentor of Mentors.”
Her supervision record includes a recipient of the 2024 Best PhD Thesis Award.
A PROLIFIC SCHOLAR
Professor Badejo has authored four books, contributed 17 book chapters and published more than 60 peer-reviewed journal articles.
Her total scholarly output is reported at more than 80 major publications.
Her research and scholarly engagements have also extended beyond Nigeria, with visibility across international academic platforms.
RESEARCH ETHICS AND GOVERNANCE
Professor Badejo has also served as Chairman of the Lagos State University Research Ethics Committee.
In that capacity, she has provided leadership in the ethical review of research protocols and in strengthening the capacity of committee members through professional training and collaboration with relevant national and professional bodies.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Beyond LASU, Professor Badejo has held leadership responsibilities within professional counseling organisations and contributed to the advancement of the counseling profession in Nigeria.
She is a Fellow of the Counselling Association of Nigeria (CASSON) and a Fellow of the Association of Professional Counsellors in Nigeria (APROCON).
She is also a member of the American Psychological Association and the Nigerian Academy of Education.
RECOGNITIONS
Professor Badejo’s accomplishments have earned her several national and international recognitions.
Among them is the Key to the City of Niagara Falls, New York, conferred in recognition of her professional standing and contributions.
She received professional fellowship recognition from CASSON in 2015 and APROCON in 2022.
In 2025, she was honoured in Pretoria, South Africa, with a Distinguished Personality Award for Excellence in Higher Education in Africa.
AN INNOVATIVE CONTRIBUTION
Professor Badejo’s profile also highlights her contribution to youth development and innovation.
She developed a patented Youth Anthem associated with Lagos State University, reflecting her commitment to initiatives connecting academic expertise with broader societal needs.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE NEW ADMINISTRATION?
Professor Badejo will assume office as the 10th Substantive Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University on 20th September 2026.
Her profile, as released by the University, reflects more than three decades of academic scholarship, teaching, research, institutional leadership, curriculum development, financial stewardship, research ethics, innovation and mentorship.
She comes into the Vice-Chancellorship having previously served the University in several strategic academic and administrative capacities, including as Dean of the Faculty of Education, Chairman of the Senate Curriculum Committee, Chairman of the International School Board and Chairman of the Research Ethics Committee.
Professor Ayodeji Olawunmi Badejo will therefore lead LASU for a single five-year term, succeeding Distinguished Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, whose tenure ends on 19th September 2026.
Segio Campus Reports will continue to bring you verified updates on the transition and other developments within the Lagos State University community.
SOURCE: Facebook/Segio Campus Reports
