The first Senate has been established at the Lagos State University of Science and Technology to ensure proper coordination of academic activities.
The Senate is the first to be established to begin managing the recently founded Institution.
While launching the body on Friday at the University campus in Ikorodu. Pro-Chancellor and the Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof. Rasheed Ojikutu, charged the members of the senate to be active and justify the significant resources Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has committed to the establishment of the University.
“We should and must understand that the administration of Governor Sanwo-Olu did not commit huge financial and human resources into the establishment of two new universities merely to increase the quantum of students going to school but to create an environment for innovative teaching strategies and competency-based learning that will eventually nurture societal change makers.
“The new senate cannot afford to tow the same line that many new universities go through in their formative years which in the course of time turns them into another tutorial center rather than a hub of research, innovation, and technology.
“We must right from the beginning design and develop for ourselves and our community a brand that will be second to none in Nigeria, Africa, and the world. Lagos State University of Science and Technology must be identified for its specialization,” Ojikutu was quoted as saying in a statement by the varsity’s Director, Information and Public Relations, Lanre Kuye.
He added that the school has a lot of potential to position the state among the leaders in marine sciences and technology, such as the Island and Atlantic Ocean.
“The raw materials are all around us, our proprietor is ever willing to commit resources into our project, and we claim to have the knowledge. What else do we need to make a difference?,” he asked.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olumuyiwa Odusanya, also spoke and vowed that the group will fulfill its obligations and make the institution stand out among its competitors on a national and international scale.
The VC, who also serves as the Senate Chairman, examined the roles of the senate in his inaugural speech, which was titled “A Historic and Giant Step for The University of Excellence.” He discussed how the senate establishes academic policy, controls admissions to the university, oversees research conducted there, coordinates degree awards, and performs other duties.
He said: “A lot is expected from members of the senate especially those privileged to be at the inauguration ceremony. I am sure that the distinguished members of the senate will live up to the responsibility thrust upon us.”
He promised that over the next five years, the University would conduct considerable research and development.
The Vice Chancellor, who serves as Senate Chairman, deputy Vice Chancellors, University librarians, Deans of colleges and student affairs, Heads of departments, all of the University’s Professors, Directors of the academic programs, and six elected members of the academic staff make up the membership of the senate.
