The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has appointed Ayodeji Badejo, a professor of counselling psychology, as the 10th substantive vice-chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU).
The appointment was announced in a statement on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso. According to the statement, the appointment was made under the Lagos State University Law 2004, as amended.
Mrs Badejo will succeed Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, a professor of physiology, whose tenure ends on 19 September. She is expected to assume office on 20 September for a five-year term.
The appointment makes Mrs Badejo, LASU’s third female vice chancellor. Mrs Olatunji-Bello, who assumed office in 2021, was the second, while Jadesola Akande, a professor of law who led the university from 1989 to 1993, was the first.
The governor said Mrs Badejo brings to the role extensive academic experience, deep institutional knowledge, proven administrative competence and a distinguished record of service. Her career, he added, has been defined by excellence, service and a commitment to advancing higher education.
Academic and administrative record
Born on August 4, 1962, Mrs Badejo has over three decades of sustained academic scholarship, teaching, research, institutional leadership, mentorship and pedagogical innovation.
She obtained a Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) in 1983, a Bachelor of Education degree in 1986, a Master of Education degree in 1988, and a doctorate in Guidance and Counselling from the University of Lagos (UNILAG) in 1998.
At LASU, she has held several academic and administrative positions, including membership of the university’s Governing Council and chairmanship of the Senate Curriculum Committee.
As chair of the committee, she contributed to curriculum development, academic planning and the introduction of new programmes in line with the requirements of the National Universities Commission (NUC).
During her tenure as Dean of the Faculty of Education, about 20 members of staff were promoted to professorial rank, while all programmes in the faculty secured full accreditation from the commission, according to the statement.
Mrs Badejo also chaired the board of the LASU International School, during which its capital reserves rose from about ₦88 million to ₦121 million and its financial deficits were eliminated.
Research, mentorship and professional service
A defining feature of Mrs Badejo’s academic career is her commitment to doctoral education and mentorship. Between 2012 and 2026, she supervised 23 PhD graduates, earning recognition as a “Mentor of Mentors”. One of her doctoral candidates received the 2024 Best PhD Thesis Award, underscoring the quality and impact of her supervision.
A prolific scholar, Mrs Badejo has authored four books, contributed 17 book chapters and published more than 60 peer-reviewed journal articles, bringing her total scholarly output to over 80 major publications. Her research and academic engagements have also gained visibility beyond Nigeria.
Her contributions extend beyond conventional scholarship to innovation and social impact. Among them is the development of a patented Youth Anthem associated with Lagos State University, reflecting her interest in youth development and in applying academic expertise to wider societal needs.
The professor Badejo has also distinguished herself in research ethics and governance. As chair of the Lagos State University Research Ethics Committee, she led the ethical review of research protocols and helped strengthen members’ capacity through professional training and collaboration with relevant national and professional bodies.
Her professional service extends beyond LASU. She has held leadership positions in counselling organisations and contributed to the development of the profession in Nigeria. She is a Fellow of the Counselling Association of Nigeria (CASSON) and the Association of Professional Counsellors in Nigeria (APROCON), and belongs to several professional and scholarly bodies, including the American Psychological Association and the Nigerian Academy of Education.
Her accomplishments have earned her national and international recognition, including the Key to the City of Niagara Falls, New York. She received fellowship recognition from CASSON in 2015 and APROCON in 2022. In 2025, she received a Distinguished Personality Award for excellence in higher education in Africa in Pretoria, South Africa.
She brings to the vice-chancellor’s office a record of academic excellence, research productivity, institutional leadership, curriculum development, financial stewardship, ethical governance, innovation and mentorship. Her more than three decades of service reflect a sustained commitment to strengthening educational institutions, advancing scholarship, promoting student development and nurturing the next generation of academics and professionals.