LASUSTECH VC Charges New Students on “Future-Readiness” at 2025 Matriculation

“If You Can Imagine It, You Can Create It”: VC Challenges 3,272 Freshmen

IKORODU, LAGOS – In a stirring address that set the tone for the 2025/2026 academic journey, the Vice-Chancellor of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), Professor Olumuyiwa Odusanya, has charged 3,272 newly admitted students to move beyond passive learning and become “future-ready” innovators.

Speaking at the university’s matriculation ceremony held on Monday, December 8, 2025, at the Ikorodu campus, Prof. Odusanya delivered a mandate that was less about academic routine and more about survival in a digital age. He warned that the traditional approach to acquiring a degree is no longer sufficient. The world has changed.

“The way to take uncertainty out of the future is to create the future you genuinely want,” Odusanya told the packed auditorium. His message was clear. The university is not just a training ground; it is a launchpad.

The Context: A University on the Rise

The atmosphere at the Ikorodu campus was charged with anticipation. Parents, guardians, and well-wishers filled the venue, witnessing the formal induction of over 3,000 students into the university’s growing academic community.

This matriculation marks a significant milestone for LASUSTECH. Established in 2022 by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu—following the transmutation of the former Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH)—the institution has rapidly expanded its footprint. From zero undergraduates just three years ago, the university now boasts a student population exceeding 12,600.

The VC’s speech comes at a critical time. Nigeria’s tertiary education sector is grappling with a skills gap, where graduates often possess theoretical knowledge but lack market-ready competencies. Prof. Odusanya’s address directly confronted this disconnect.

Deep Dive: The Three Pillars of Future-Readiness

Prof. Odusanya’s charge to the “freshers” was built on three non-negotiable pillars aimed at reshaping their mindset from day one.

1. Innovation Over Certification

The Vice-Chancellor deconstructed the value of a university degree in the 21st century. He argued that a certificate without competence is merely “a piece of paper.”

“The skills, the competencies, the knowledge that you should bring to it will define what you get out of that degree,” he asserted.

He challenged students to leverage the digital age to solve national problems. He didn’t just ask for hard work; he asked for “moon-shot” thinking, citing John F. Kennedy’s ambition and the discovery of insulin as examples of human ingenuity.

• The Challenge: Build multipurpose drones.

• The Goal: Develop new algorithms.

• The Mindset: “If you can imagine it, you can create it.”

2. The Zero-Tolerance Policy

While the VC preached innovation, he also laid down the law regarding conduct. The university has drawn a hard line in the sand regarding social vices.

Prof. Odusanya warned that the “future-ready” agenda has no room for distractions. He listed specific threats that could derail a student’s journey:

• Cultism and Drug Abuse: Strictly prohibited.

• Indecent Dressing: A violation of the university’s code.

• Absenteeism: Attendance is a prerequisite for sitting exams.

“Every action has a consequence,” he reminded them. “You must avoid the things that will not create that future.”

3. Community and Accountability

The third pillar focused on social responsibility. The VC urged students not to be “loners.” He emphasized the importance of building a network of “good friends” and maintaining constant communication with parents and guardians. In an era where mental health is a growing concern on campuses, staying “traceable” and connected is a safety strategy.

Expert Analysis: Why This Matters

The shift in rhetoric from a Vice-Chancellor—moving from standard “welcome” pleasantries to a demand for “tech-driven solutions”—signals a broader trend in Nigerian higher education.

Dr. Emeka Okafor, an education policy analyst, notes that new universities like LASUSTECH are under immense pressure to prove their worth against older, established federal institutions.

“It is a double-edged sword,” Okafor explains. “Newer state universities have the agility to adapt their curriculum to modern demands faster than legacy institutions. However, they must match this rhetoric with infrastructure. When a VC tells students to build drones, the labs must be ready.”

Prof. Odusanya addressed this implicitly, confirming the university’s capacity to accommodate the growing student body and referencing the digital opportunities available in Nigeria today compared to the past.

The Bottom Line

The 2025/2026 matriculation was not just a ritual; it was a call to arms.

For the 3,272 new students, the clock has already started ticking. Their time at LASUSTECH will conclude in just four or five years. The VC’s closing remark serves as both a motivation and a warning: “Today indeed is a day of good news… but creating your future demands you look beyond the degree to be received.”

Future Outlook: As the semester begins, all eyes will be on how these students interpret this charge. Will the next startup unicorn come out of Ikorodu? The administration believes so. Now, the students must prove them right.