Lagos State University (LASU) | Lagos

Lagos State University (LASU) is a major public university in Nigeria, established in 1983 by the Lagos State Government. Its founding vision was to provide affordable, high-quality education to the people of Lagos State and beyond, with a strong emphasis on research, innovation, and community service.

1. General Overview:

Full Name: Lagos State University (LASU)

Founded: 1983

Owner: Lagos State Government

Motto: Per la verità e di servizio (For Truth and Service)

Main Campus: Ojo, along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway

Other Campuses:

Ikeja Campus – School of Communication

Epe Campus – Faculty of Engineering and School of Agriculture

Badagry, Surulere, and Yaba – satellite study centers (primarily for part-time programs)

2. Faculties and Academic Programs:

LASU offers undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and certificate programs across a wide variety of fields. Major faculties include:

a. Faculty of Arts

English

History and International Studies

Philosophy

Linguistics, African & Asian Studies

Foreign Languages

b. Faculty of Social Sciences

Economics

Sociology

Psychology

Political Science

Mass Communication

c. Faculty of Management Sciences

Accounting

Business Administration

Marketing

Public Administration

Banking and Finance

Industrial Relations and Personnel Management

d. Faculty of Law

One of the most competitive and respected law programs in Nigeria

Hosts moot court competitions and practical legal workshops

e. Faculty of Education

Offers teacher-training programs and postgraduate degrees in Education

Includes departments like Science Education, Curriculum Studies, and Educational Management

f. Faculty of Science

Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Computer Science, Microbiology, etc.

g. Faculty of Engineering (Epe Campus)

Relatively new, focuses on Electrical, Mechanical, and Civil Engineering

h. Faculty of Medicine (College of Medicine, Ikeja)

Includes Medicine & Surgery, Dentistry, Nursing, Pharmacology, etc.

Associated with the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH)

3. Other Academic Divisions:

School of Communication (Ikeja): One of the top communication schools in West Africa

Open and Distance Learning and Research Institute (ODLRI): For working professionals and remote learners

School of Postgraduate Studies: Offers MSc, MBA, MPhil, and PhD programs across disciplines

4. Ranking and Recognition:

Times Higher Education 2024 Rankings:

Best State University in Nigeria

Second-best Public University in Nigeria

4th Overall in Nigeria

30th in Africa

Recognized by the National Universities Commission (NUC) for full accreditation in 43 out of 44 programs in the most recent assessment.

5. Admissions:

Entry is competitive and based on:

UTME (Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination) scores

LASU’s post-UTME screening

For Direct Entry: relevant diplomas, A-levels, or NCE

LASU is known for its merit-based admission policies, though it also reserves some slots for Lagos State indigenes.

6. Campus Life and Facilities:

Libraries: Central library in Ojo and faculty-based mini-libraries

ICT Centre: Hosts digital research, online registration, and e-learning platforms

Medical Centre: Full-service health clinic for students and staff

Hostels: Limited in number, mainly at the main campus and College of Medicine

Sporting Facilities: Football fields, basketball courts, and a sports complex

Student Union Government (SUG): Represents students’ interests

7. Alumni and Notable Figures:

LASU has produced notable personalities across government, arts, entertainment, and academia:

Desmond Elliot – Actor and politician

Wizkid (Ayodeji Balogun) – Grammy-winning international artist

Eniola Badmus – Actress

Farida Waziri – Former EFCC Chairperson

Oluranti Adebule – Former Deputy Governor of Lagos State

Mudashiru Obasa – Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly

8. Research and Innovation:

Active in academic conferences, research grants, and international collaborations

Hosts journals in various faculties and encourages undergraduate research projects

Recently invested in innovation hubs and entrepreneurship centers

9. Challenges:

Infrastructure needs constant upgrading due to population growth

Occasionally affected by industrial actions (strikes)

Limited hostel accommodation

LASU remains a prestigious and highly sought-after university, balancing academic rigor, cultural vibrancy, and a strong Lagos heritage.