LASUSTECH champions industry collaboration, grants, and STI funding to accelerate Nigeria’s technological development

Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) marked its 4th Founder’s Day in Lagos on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, with a call for deeper industry collaboration, enhanced grant acquisition, and dedicated government funding for Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) to drive Nigeria’s technological advancement.

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Vice-Chancellor Prof. Olumuyiwa Odusanya highlighted LASUSTECH’s rapid expansion, noting a student population exceeding 12,600 and that 39 of 41 academic programmes have been submitted for accreditation by the National Universities Commission (NUC). Prof. Odusanya announced that the pioneer set of degree students will graduate in August 2026, with the maiden convocation slated for February 2, 2027.

Prof. Odusanya also underscored the university’s expanding infrastructure, staff capacity-building initiatives, and student achievements, including recent inductions into the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).

He unveiled an annual prize for the best graduating student, endowed in his and his wife’s names.

Keynote speaker Prof. Adenike Oladiji, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), urged universities of technology to align their vision with Nigeria’s STI policy.

She stressed the need for stronger partnerships with industry, competitive grant acquisition, and a national consortium of technology-focused universities for resource sharing.

Prof. Oladiji highlighted the importance of increased government investment in early-stage research and development, warning that private sector underinvestment in basic research could hinder national progress.

She recommended policies mandating industries to allocate a portion of their R&D budgets to universities.

A major highlight of the celebration was the awarding of scholarships to five top-performing students from each college.

Ruth Ayomide Ajayi, a 300-level Animal Science student from the College of Agriculture, emerged as the Overall Best Student with a CGPA of 4.97.

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The 4th Founder’s Day reaffirmed LASUSTECH’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s technological future through strategic partnerships, sustained investment, and a sharpened focus on science and innovation.