Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, Vice-Chancellor, Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, has urged the institution’s alumni to use its goodwill to attract further development to the university.
Olatunji-Bello made the appeal on Monday in Lagos at the coconut breaking festival organised by LASU Alumni Association to celebrate the institution’s 25th convocation ceremony.
She said that the institution’s alumni needed to attract more development to LASU through the provision of independent power supply, large lecture halls and resource centres.
She also said that the alumni could ensure the digitalisation of all operations, which would facilitate the attainment of the strategic goals of the institution to become the best university in West African region within the next five years.
The vice-chancellor commended the alumni association for organising the coconut breaking festival at every convocation ceremony.
“The coconut breaking is particularly symbolic as it constitutes a part of the process that promotes mutual understanding, cooperation and linkage in the university.
“Coconut breaking ceremony is an entrenched tradition in LASU. It is indeed very symbolic to showcase the rich cultural heritage that is unique to LASU and Lagos State.
“It is an occasion to pray for the general wellbeing of LASU for unity, peace and development of the university.
“The use of coconut for prayer is rooted in the history of the state of aquatic splendour, since it abounds in all the nooks and crannies of the state,” she said.
Speaking, Maj.-Gen. Cecil Ezekaiegbe, President, LASU Alumni Association, congratulated every member of the alumni for keeping the institution flying toward its greatness.
Ezekaiegbe also expressed appreciation to all the union leaders for maintaining peace in LASU community.