The Vice-Chancellor, Lagos, State University of Education (LASUED, Oto/Ijanikin, Lagos, Prof. Bidemi Bilkis Lafiaji-Okuneye has urged new students of the university to strive for excellence in all their endeavours as they begin their academic journey in the university.
She stated this at the matriculation ceremony for full-time degree students for 2024/2025 academic session held at the institution’s main campus on Friday.
According to her, the ceremony marks the beginning of an exciting journey in their academic and personal lives, therefore they must approach their time at the university with purpose and determination.
“The path to success is rarely straightforward, but it is always rewarding for those who persevere. Strive for excellence in all that you do. Whether it is in your studies, extracurricular activities, or personal endeavours, always aim to be the best version of yourself,” she added.
She continued: “Remember, mediocrity has no place in a world that demands innovation and creativity. Although challenges are inevitable, they are also opportunities for growth. Therefore, do not fear failure; instead, learn from it and use it as a stepping stone to greater heights.
“Significantly, as members of this university, you have a responsibility to uphold its values and contribute positively to its community. The matriculation oath you have just signed will guide your conduct and comportment throughout your stay here.”
Stating they should take full advantage of the resources available for them, Prof. Lafiaji-Okuneye said the facilities are here to support their holistic development and help them achieve their goals.

“Engage in sports and recreational activities to maintain a healthy balance between academics and physical well-being and as you settle into this new chapter of your lives, remember that the road ahead requires hard work, discipline, and resilience,” she added
Speaking on the achievement of the university in the last three years of its existence, the VC said at the heart of their success is a strong institutional culture that promotes excellence, integrity, and accountability.
“Established in 2022 with the mandate to produce globally competitive teachers, Lagos State University of Education was born out of the need to address the critical challenges in Nigeria’s educational sector and to chart a course toward sustainable development.”
She added: “Our vision is to become a world class information and knowledge resource centre, a classy and sought-after university within the first five years of its operations. This vision is not merely an aspiration but a guiding principle that informs every decision, policy, and initiative we undertake.
“The unique and professional university has been steadfastly committed to its tripodal mission of teaching, scientific investigations, and community service and within a remarkably short time, we have made giant strides in achieving excellence.
“We are committed to student-centred approach. Our students are at the core of everything we do. We are dedicated to providing them with a supportive and inclusive environment that enables them to thrive. We lead by example, upholding the highest standards of ethics and integrity in all our dealings.
Congratulating the matriculating students, the VC explained that the institution is constantly seeking ways to improve processes, programmes, and policies to ensure they remain at the forefront of educational, adding that the feedback received so far has been overwhelmingly positive, signaling yet another success story in their journey.
“These achievements, within less than three years of our establishment, are nothing short of remarkable, and serve as a strong foundation for the bright future that lies ahead,” she assured.
A total of 4,667 students across various faculties matriculated during the ceremony.
BV.