The Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) on Monday 2nd February, 2026 celebrated its 4th Founders’ Day at the Directorate of Sport, Sports Centre of its Oto/Ijanikin Main Campus, with stakeholders highlighting the institution’s rapid growth, cultural heritage and academic achievements.
In her welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Bidemi Bilkis Lafiaji-Okuneye, described the celebration as a reflection of vision, courage, resilience and collective achievement. She noted that the University was established on February 2nd, 2022 by the Lagos State Government under the leadership of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, through the strategic transmutation of two legacy colleges, Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (AOCOED) Oto/Ijanikin and Micheal Otedola College of Primary Education (MOCPED), Odo-Noforija, Epe into a specialized, purpose-driven University.
According to her, the bold initiative has become one of Nigeria’s most remarkable educational success stories.
The Vice-Chancellor explained that the theme of the 2026 Founders’ Day, “Celebrating Our Roots: Preserving Our Culture and Identity,” was deliberately chosen to emphasize the institution’s commitment to cultural preservation and intellectual development.
She stated that the presence of the iconic Eyo Masquerade of Lagos, the historic Zangbeto from Badagry, Ajogbo cultural dance from Oto-Awori and the revered masquerade tradition of Epe symbolized the University’s belief that Education must not erase identity, but preserve, refine and project it globally.
“While LASUED is globally oriented, our roots remain proudly African and unmistakably Lagosian,” she said.
Highlighting the institution’s achievements under the A.C.H.I.E.V.E Agenda, Prof. Lafiaji-Okuneye disclosed that LASUED has recorded several milestones within a short period. These include 100 per cent accreditation by the National Universities Commission (NUC), LASUED produced its first-ever set of 31 professors and associate professors, massive infrastructural transformation across the Oto/Ijanikin and Odo-Noforija, Epe campuses, and winning the prestigious .ng Award for Best Website/Portal in the Tertiary Institution category.
She also mentioned the university’s landmark Memorandum of Understanding with Pennsylvania State University (Penn State), USA, its growing student population, improved student welfare, sustained academic stability, and a vibrant research culture.
LASUED stands today as proof that purposeful leadership, collective sacrifice and strong community partnerships can produce excellence within a short time.
She called on stakeholders to renew their commitment to building an institution that will serve generations yet unborn and contribute meaningfully to national and global development.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Lagos State, Hon. Tolani Sule, described the Founders’ Day as a milestone celebration marking the transformation of teachers’ colleges into a full-fledged University. He commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the University management, staff and students for their roles in the institution’s development.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to strengthening LASUED and other tertiary institutions across Lagos State.
Also speaking, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Alhaja Sekinat Olushola Yusuf, represented by Mrs. Victoria Preregrino, expressed pride in the University’s outstanding achievements. She noted that under the transformational leadership of the pioneer Vice-Chancellor, LASUED has charted a clear path of excellence through the strategic A.C.H.I.E.V.E Agenda.
She assured the University Community of the council’s continued strategic oversight and support, adding that LASUED is on track to become not only the pride of Lagos State but a benchmark institution for teacher education
