“Universities can only attain true greatness by building and sustaining a strong academic culture,” the Distinguished Lecturer, Prof. Rafiu O. Okuneye, declared at the maiden Faculty of Education Distinguished Lecture.
The lecture was held at the Aderemi Makanjuola Lecture Theatre, Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo Main Campus.
Delivering the lecture on the theme “Fostering Academic Culture Towards University Greatness,” Prof. Okuneye emphasised that universities must remain engines of societal development by upholding ethics, nurturing innovation and strengthening institutional values.
Tracing the history of higher education globally and in Nigeria, Prof. Okuneye explained how universities evolved alongside industrialisation to provide skilled manpower in science, agriculture and engineering.
According to him, the mission of universities broadened after World War II to advance general education and drive societal progress.
Speaking on ethics in the university system, the Professor of Exercise Physiology, Department of Human Kinetics, Sports and Health Education, Faculty of Education, LASU, insisted that academic staff members must uphold discipline and integrity by protecting students’ records, safeguarding examination questions, avoiding plagiarism and remaining committed to teaching and research excellence.
He warned that academic culture is weakened when governance challenges, inadequate facilities and under-qualified staff undermine institutional values.
“To achieve greatness, universities must embrace teaching excellence, promote research and innovation, trust strong leadership and sustain mentorship,” he said. He also underscored the role of university leadership in creating policies and environments that allow academic culture to thrive.
In his conclusion, Prof. Okuneye maintained that a robust academic culture is essential for any university seeking sustained excellence, adding that the commitment of dedicated academic staff is pivotal in nurturing values that propel institutions towards greatness.
In her opening remarks, Prof. Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, warmly welcomed participants to what she described as a historic academic event.
The VC emphasised that the lecture marks the beginning of a new tradition of intellectual engagement, knowledge-sharing and scholarly excellence at LASU.
Highlighting the theme, “Fostering Academic Culture Towards University Greatness,” she stressed that true university greatness lies not merely in infrastructure but in the strength of academic culture—scholarship, mentorship, innovation and knowledge for societal advancement.
She further noted that such initiatives align with LASU’s mission to become the best university in West Africa and contribute to both national and global development goals, particularly in advancing quality education.
The Vice-Chancellor, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Prof. Oseni Taiwo Afisi, before declaring the Distinguished Lecture open, commended the Faculty of Education under the leadership of Prof. Olugbenga Gabriel Akindoju for the vision behind the lecture series.
She also acknowledged the Distinguished Lecturer, Prof. R. O. Okuneye, for his remarkable contributions to academia and the University, and expressed appreciation to the Special Guest of Honour, the Chairman of the occasion and the Royal Father in attendance for their support.
The Dean of the Faculty of Education, Prof. Olugbenga Akindoju, described the theme of the lecture as timely and strategic, stressing the importance of teacher education to national development. He noted that the Faculty places priority on shaping future leaders, as education is critical to national growth.
One of the high points of the lecture was the announcement of donations.
The Chairman of the Occasion, Dr Oluwasegun Alade Musa, Chairman and CEO, Widescope Group of Companies, made a donation of five million (₦5 million) naira to the Faculty of Education and endowed prizes for outstanding students in the Faculty: ₦1 million to the best graduating student, five hundred thousand (₦500,000) naira to the second-best, and the sum of two hundred and fifty thousand (₦250,000) naira to the third-best.
The Royal Father of the Day, HRM Oba Nojeemdeem Adidemi Aberejo Oduala I, Ogunjobi III, Alakesan of Akesan Kingdom, also donated one million (₦1,000,000) naira to the Faculty.
To wrap up the event, the lecture monograph was unveiled, and awards of appreciation were also presented to the Chairman of the Occasion, the Distinguished Lecturer and the Royal Father of the Day.
The event was attended by professors, deans of faculties, traditional rulers, students and members of the University community.
