LASU VC tasks peace, security PG students on nation-building

By Clifford Ndujihe

Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University, LASU), Professor Ayodeji Olawunmi Badejo, has charged newly admitted postgraduate students of the Centre for Peace and Security Studies, CPSS, to pursue academic excellence, embrace innovation and deploy their knowledge to addressing Nigeria’s peace and security challenges.

Badejo, who spoke through the Dean of the Postgraduate School, Professor Ibrahim Olawale Olateju, gave the charge at the Centre’s orientation programme for the 2025/2026 academic session, held at the Aderemi Makanjuola Lecture Theatre, LASU Main Campus, Ojo, Lagos, weekend.

The orientation familiarised the students with the university’s academic expectations, postgraduate regulations, registration and clearance procedures, as well as available support services.

Represented at the event by Olateju, the vice-chancellor urged the students to embrace five responsibilities reflecting the strategic direction of the university.

These, she said, included pursuing academic excellence; producing solution-driven research and embracing innovation; practising ethical leadership and institutional collaboration; investing in continuous learning and professional development; and translating knowledge into sustainable societal impact.

She challenged the students to approach their studies with a sense of responsibility and a commitment to making meaningful contributions to society.

CPSS Director, Falode, speaks

In his address, the Director of CPSS, Professor Adewunmi Falode, described the Centre as a specialised academic hub committed to advancing the theoretical and practical dimensions of peace and security studies.

He urged the students to maximise the opportunity to acquire specialised knowledge and professional skills that would equip them to contribute meaningfully to peacebuilding and security management in Nigeria and beyond.

Falode also acknowledged the contributions of the university management, particularly the immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Distinguished Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, and the incumbent Vice-Chancellor, Professor Badejo, to the institution’s development and the progress of the Centre.

LASU sets academic standards

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Professor Oseni Taiwo Afisi, represented by the Director of the Lagos State University School of Basic and Advanced Studies, Professor Gbenga Akindoju, urged the students to maintain high academic standards and familiarise themselves with the requirements of their respective programmes.

He stressed the importance of academic discipline and satisfactory performance, noting that compliance with the university’s regulations was essential for successful progression and graduation.

Similarly, the Dean of the Postgraduate School, Olateju, explained key aspects of postgraduate admission, registration and clearance procedures.

He advised the students to ensure that their records were accurate, comply with university regulations and channel enquiries and complaints through the appropriate authorities.

Olateju reaffirmed the Postgraduate School’s commitment to supporting eligible students towards timely graduation.

Students urged to embrace digital platforms

The university also urged the students to familiarise themselves with its digital clearance platform and the Lagos State University Central Admission Clearance Application (LACACA).

The representative of the Director of the Directorate of Information and Communication Technology, Professor Oluwatoyin Enikuomehin, who doubles as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Rilwan Mustapha, highlighted the importance of the digital platforms in facilitating students’ administrative processes.

Students experiencing difficulties with the system were advised to contact the university through [email protected].

The University Librarian, Dr Omawunmi Makinde, represented by Mrs Sarah Gbenu, encouraged the students to make regular use of the university library’s resources to strengthen their research and academic development.

Alumni, students pledge commitment

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the alumni, Dr Banjo Omole emphasised the importance of lifelong learning, urging the students to expand their knowledge continually and apply their expertise to solving societal problems.

Other goodwill messages came from Professor Bashir Animashaun of the Department of History and International Studies and Dr Mojeed Giwa, who represented the School of Transport and Logistics.

The President of the Peace and Security Studies Students’ Association, Mr Olaitan Adegbola, expressed appreciation to the university management and the Centre’s leadership for their continued support.

He welcomed the new students and encouraged them to take full advantage of the academic and professional opportunities available to them.

The event was attended by representatives of security and public institutions, including the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, CP Fatai Olayiwola Tijani, and the General Manager of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, as well as Dean Kolawole Arire.

The Centre’s Administrative Secretary and Deputy Registrar, Mr Azeez Rasaki, in a vote of thanks, appreciated the university management, staff, students and other stakeholders for their contributions to the success of the programme.

The orientation brought together students admitted into the Postgraduate Diploma in Peace and Security Studies; the academic and professional master’s programmes; the PhD programme; and the doctoral programme in Peace and Security Studies.

The programme reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to developing knowledgeable, ethical and competent professionals equipped to contribute to peacebuilding and security management in Nigeria and beyond.

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