The Faculty of Education, Lagos State University (LASU), etched its name in history with the successful hosting of its Maiden Distinguished Lecture on Tuesday, 19th August, 2025 at the Aderemi Makanjuola Lecture Theatre, Main Campus, Ojo, Lagos.
Themed “Fostering Academic Culture Towards University Greatness,” the lecture was delivered by the renowned scholar, Prof. Rafiu Olaoluwa Okuneye, Professor of Exercise Physiology. The event was graced by eminent scholars, traditional rulers, top executives, and distinguished guests, making it a celebration of knowledge, philanthropy, and culture.
A Day in Honor of Dr. Oluwasegun Alade Musa
The event was held in special recognition of Dr. Oluwasegun Alade Musa, Chairman & CEO of Widescope Group of Companies, who served as the Chairman of the Occasion.
Dr. Musa, in a profound show of commitment to education, donated the sum of ₦5 million to the Faculty of Education and further instituted an endowment prize for outstanding students. He pledged:
₦1 million for the Best Graduating Student
₦500,000 for the Second Best
₦250,000 for the Third Best
This remarkable gesture drew resounding applause, as it underscored his vision to encourage academic excellence and inspire future generations of teachers and scholars.
Academic and Cultural Highlights
One of the intellectual peaks of the day was the presentation of the lecture monograph, a scholarly book authored by Prof. Rafiu Olaoluwa Okuneye, which captured the essence of his lecture and added a lasting academic legacy to the occasion.
The event also featured awards of special recognition to Dr. Musa, HRM Oba Nojeemdeen Abidemi Aberejo Oduala I, Ogunjobi III, Alakesan of Akesan Kingdom, the Guest Lecturer, and other distinguished contributors.
Adding to the spirit of generosity, the Oba of Akesan also supported the Faculty with a ₦1 million donation, further cementing the day as one of both intellectual and philanthropic significance.
Distinguished Guests in Attendance
The lecture drew the presence of dignitaries across academia, industry, and traditional leadership. Notable among them were:
Prof. Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, fnli – Vice-Chancellor, LASU (Chief Host), ably represented by Prof. Oseni Afisi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), who in his goodwill message noted that “no nation can rise without the qualities of its teachers,” reaffirming LASU’s aspiration to become the best university in West Africa.
Prof. Bidemi Bilkis Lafiaji-Okuneye – Vice-Chancellor, Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), Ijanikin, who attended as Special Guest alongside her entourage.
Prof. Ibrahim Olawale Olateju – Dean, Postgraduate School, LASU.
Engineer Adeyemi Oke – Chairman & CEO, Precious Paints Nigeria Limited (Special Guest of Honour).
Prof. Olugbenga Gabriel Akindoju – Dean, Faculty of Education, LASU (Host).
Prof. O. O. Olufowobi – Chairman, Organising Committee.
Chief Nureni – Akogun of Akesan Land.
Prof. Pemede – Director, School of Part-Time Studies, LASU.
Prof. Simeon Dosunmu – Director of Sports, LASU.
Prof. Rafiu Olaoluwa Ogunneye – Chairman, LASU Muslim Community and Member, LASU Governing Council.
A Legacy for the Future
The Maiden Distinguished Lecture of the Faculty of Education was more than an academic gathering; it was a festival of ideas, leadership, and philanthropy. With Dr. Musa’s landmark ₦5 million donation and student endowment, the Oba of Akesan’s royal support, and Prof. Okuneye’s scholarly contribution through his monograph, the event has set a new benchmark for academic culture at LASU.
It was, indeed, a day where scholarship met generosity, and where the future of education was given renewed hope.
