The Lagos State University, LASU, Ojo, on Monday, named the longest road in the main campus after the first executive governor of the state, Alhaji Lateef Jakande.
The University did him the honour and with a public lecture held on Monday in commemoration of his ongoing 90th birthday ceremonies.
Announcing his name for the road (from the main gate on the Badagry expressway down to the International School and beyond) at the event held at the University main auditorium, the Vice-Chancellor of LASU, Prof Olarenwaju Fagbohun, said the governing council of the institution had approved the newly named road.
He explained that Chief Jakande was worth more than the honour as he is the brain behind the establishment of LASU in 1983 when he was a governor.
“It was him who conceived and signed into law the bill that brought the creation of LASU, which had since then been positively impacting lives of many in and outside Lagos State,” he added.
Fagbohun, who is a professor of law, noted that the University at creation started with only three faculties, 55 administrative staff and 37 technical staff, and 375 students but that today, it has grown into three campuses, Ojo, Epe and Ikeja, and could also boast of seven faculties, four schools, one college and many directorates.
“We also admit over 6, 500 students every year now unlike just 375 at inception,” he added. And just imagine if there is no LASU today, what would have become the fate of past products and workers and the present ones and those to come and other stakeholders.”
He said Jakande was a perfect example of a great visionary anywhere in the world.
In his lecture, the guest lecturer and professor of History from the University of Ilorin, Hakeem Danmole, said no administration of any governor military or civilian in Lagos State, had touched lives of the commoners like that of Chief Jakande.
Speaking on the theme, “Lateef Kayode Jakande: Phenom of Administration in Lagos State,” he said the former governor used his life to serve the people of Lagos and beyond, describing him as a state builder and administrator par excellent.
In his own remarks, the chairman of the governing council of LASU, Professor Adebayo Ninalowo, who was represented by Mr Sunny Ajose, said the essence of naming the road, (which was immediately inaugurated) after Chief Jakande is to appreciate and immortalise him.
