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Prof Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, the Vice Chancellor, Lagos State University (LASU) has charged the newly admitted students of the university to imbibe the ethos of impeccable moral and enviable character which the citadel of first choice in Nigeria will instill into them as a matter of institutional practice.

The VC gave this charge Monday morning at the matriculation of 14,893 freshers high-flight centre of academic excellence in its expansive  Buba Marwa Hall, Ojo Main Campus, Lagos .

Olatunji-Bello, the second female and 9th substantive Vice Chancellor of the varsity of Lagos and African pride, expressed LASU’s  commitment to the character development of the students towards moulding them into becoming human catalysts for a greater Lagos State and the Nigerian nation .

In her characteristic motherly, yet disciplinarian administrative disposition, the VC tutored the green scholars to adhere to the rules and regulations of the university, even as she assured them that LASU remains a student-centred institution.
Olatunji-Bello who earned the impressive title of the Senior Abiyamo of Nigeria (SAN) for her milk of motherly passion that flows in her administrative style, reiterated to the freshers that the welfare of students had always been and would remain a top priority.

She declared, “Lagos State University is a student centered Institution that fosters the development of generational leaders.
“As a hub of learning, it embodies the spirit of freedom, providing an environment that nurtures growth and excellence.
“However, in LASU, that freedom often comes with equivalent obligations and boundaries. We take pride in training students for life. We are focused on the character development of our students.
“This is based on the hope that when you graduate, you will contribute meaningfully to developmental discourses around the globe.
“Our objective at the Lagos State University is to produce graduates who will be catalysts to the process of transformation of the state to a Greater Lagos,”

.She gave the assurance that the security and safety of students was non-negotiable, urging them to be vigilant and  mind the type of company they would keep while in the university.
“I must also stress that the university under my watch has zero tolerance for sexual and gender- based violence, and that informed our decision to establish the Directorate of Response and Preventive of Sexual and Gender Based Violence.
“Do not keep silent when you are harassed or assaulted in any manner. “if you see something, say something”.
Show respect to your colleagues and staff in the university to make your stay successful and productive.
.“As I said at your orientation programme that your welfare is top on our priority and we will not relent in our efforts to ensure that your learning environment remains conducive and competitive for learning.
“Please be assured that your security in and around the university is paramount to the university management.
Hence, we have put in place adequate security measures and I plead with you to report any suspicious activities to the university authority for immediate response,” she admonished..
She urged the new students to attend lectures regularly and promptly and ensure they carry out all their academic assignments.
The VC stressed it on the new students to shun deviant behaviors; indecent dressing while they  should carefully select their friends; noting that “bad friends destroy good characters”.
Olatunji-Bello added that the university has zero tolerance for cultism; and  examination malpractices.

She congratulated the new students on making the admission list, describing them as lucky.
“I heartily rejoice and congratulate all of you who are fortunate to be offered admission into this reputable university,
“I also congratulate your parents, guardians, family members and well-wishers for their effort towards ensuring that you fulfill your dreams of having a qualitative education”.

Recall that finally, .a total of 14,893 candidates scaled the LASU admission hurdle out of over 70,000 applicants that subscribed to the varsity for the session.
.Dr Samson Oyefolu, in his motivational talk, charged the students on the need for them to plan their lives and remain focused to their purpose on the campus in order to achieve great results in the end.