PROF. BIDEMI BILKIS LAFIAJI-OKUNEYE
Vice Chancellor
BIDEMI BILKIS LAFIAJI-OKUNEYE was born in Surulere, Lagos and is an indigene of Lagos state from the Lafiaji and Iginla Dynasties. She attended St. Paul Anglican Primary School, Ishaga, Isolo, Gbeleyi Primary School, Ishaga, Isolo and Metropolitan College, Isolo for her post-primary education. Her tertiary education started with a Diploma in Physical and Health Education at the prestigious Lagos State University. She obtained her first degree in the same university in 1995 where she graduated with a second-class upper division. She came top of her class and that earned her Graduate Assistantship position in the Department of Physical and Health education. She is the first product of the Department to be retained as a Lecturer. Her Master Degree Certificate in Health Education was obtained at the University of Lagos while her Ph.D Degree Certificate was awarded by the University of Ibadan in 2005.
Her Teaching career started in 1997 at the Lagos State University, Ojo. She rose through the ranks to become a Professor in the Health Education Unit of the Department. She has served the University in various capacities amongst which are; the Ag. Dean of Student Affairs, Hall Warden, LASU Female Hostel, Sub-Dean, Faculty of Education, Chairman of various committees, Subject Coordinator, Sandwich Degree Programme, Class Advisor, University Honorary Badminton Coach, Examination Officer, Staff Secretary of the Department, Branch Treasurer, Academic Staff Union of Universities, Member of Staff School Management Committee, Assistant Director, LASU Directorate of Advancement and Editor-in-Chief, Educational Perspectives (Official Journal of the Faculty of Education, Lagos State University) .
Professor Bidemi Bilkis LAFIAJI-OKUNEYE was an international Handball player that represented Nigeria in many Championships and competitions outside the shores of the country including Sweden, Denmark, France and Norway. She was the number one goalkeeper of the defunct Jegede Babes. She is a member of many Professional bodies like International Council of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, Sports and Dance (ICPHER S.D); Nigeria Association of Physical, Health Education, Recreation, Sports and Dance (NAPHER-SD); National Association Sports Science and Medicine (NASSM) and Nigeria School Health Association (NSHA).
Prof B.B Lafiaji-Okuneye has earned many awards of excellence from organisations, groups and stakeholders across diverse works and calling. At the then Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, she holds the distinction of being the first and only Professor to have been appointed as a Provost. In addition, she is the current and pioneer Vice Chancellor of the Lagos State University of Education, Oto/Ijanikin.
Through her commitment, dedication and unique leadership style, she played a crucial role in the transmutation of Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education to Lagos University of Education. She equally put the needed framework in place to facilitate the approval of 66 programmes by the National Universities Commission (NUC) culminating into the admission of the pioneer set of undergraduates She is happily married to Professor Rafiu Olaoluwa Okuneye and they are blessed with children.