The legacy of Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, the Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU), has been celebrated in a grand event that will resonate through the halls of academia.
Hosted at the Radisson Blu Hotel and Suites, a diverse gathering of distinguished figures from academia, politics, and industry came together to honor her contributions with the launch of Chronicles of Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, a 160-page tribute co-authored by an esteemed team, including Professor Mubasiru Olayiwola Mohammad and Mr. Martin Ademola Adekoya.
The book, published by LASU Press and reviewed by Professor Bidemi Bilkis Lafiaji-Okuneye, Vice-Chancellor of the Lagos State University of Education, delves into various aspects of Olatunji-Bello’s life and her transformative impact on education and public service. The reviewer emphasized a key theme of the work: “Professor Olatunji-Bello’s philosophy emphasizes inclusivity, empowerment, and the importance of nurturing intellectual curiosity.”
Olatunji-Bello, who made history as the first female Vice Chancellor of LASU and was appointed in 2021, has spearheaded significant improvements in the institution, focusing on strategic goals such as academic program accreditation, research, infrastructure enhancement, and staff welfare. Her tenure is marked by a commitment to academic excellence and community development.
Professor Mohammed, Director of the Centre for General Nigerian Studies (CGNS) and lead author of the book, described Olatunji-Bello through the acronym “IBIYEMI,” encapsulating her qualities of integrity, benevolence, innovation, and exemplary leadership. He stated, “There is no contradiction or any debate on the integrity of Prof. Olatunji-Bello as her records everywhere are unblemished.”
In her response, Olatunji-Bello expressed gratitude for the honor, stating, “I am humbled by the array of the esteemed personalities who have also gathered today… to celebrate the launch of this book.” She praised the CGNS team for their efforts in organizing the event without financial support from the university, emphasizing the collaborative spirit that made the tribute possible.
The event was graced by notable figures, including Her Excellency Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Special Adviser to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, who chaired the occasion, and Chief Launcher Dr. Chris Bamidele Onalaja, MD/CEO of Revolution Plus. The gathering underscored the profound respect and admiration held for Olatunji-Bello, whose journey serves as an inspiration for future generations, particularly women in academia.
Chronicles of Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello is more than just a biographical account; it stands as a testament to resilience, hard work, and the transformative power of education. As attendees celebrated Olatunji-Bello’s contributions, it became clear that her impact on the educational landscape will continue to inspire those who follow in her footsteps.
