By Clifford Ejenavi
Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, on Monday 1st December, 2025 held its 2024/2025 matriculation ceremony, formally admitting 14,893 fresh students into its various programmes after a highly competitive admission exercise that attracted well over 70,000 applicants from across Nigeria and beyond.
The ceremony, held at the Buba Marwa Auditorium and streamed across LASU’s campuses, marked the official beginning of academic life for the new intakes, described by the university as one of its most diverse and academically competitive cohorts in recent years.
In his address, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, congratulated the matriculating students and reminded them that securing a place at LASU was an accomplishment that required focus, discipline and dedication.
According to her, the university’s admission figures reflected its rising profile as one of Nigeria’s most sought-after institutions. “LASU received over 70,000 applications for admission this session, but only 14,893 met the criteria and were offered admission. This underscores the premium placed on academic quality, moral discipline, and merit,” the VC noted.
Prof. Olatunji-Bello reaffirmed LASU’s commitment to maintaining its upward trajectory in academic ranking, research output, and global visibility. She highlighted ongoing infrastructural upgrades, digital learning expansion and strengthened collaborations with international institutions as part of LASU’s strategic plan to become the best university in West Africa.
While charging the students to take responsibility for their academic journey, the VC stated, “Your success at LASU will depend largely on your choices. Avoid vices, shun cultism, and make maximum use of the world-class facilities provided for you. You have a golden opportunity, guard it jealously.”
The Registrar, Mr. Emmanuel Fanu, who administered the matriculation oath, reminded the students that the ceremony symbolised their commitment to obey all rules and regulations guiding the institution. He urged them to uphold integrity, which remains a core value of LASU.
For many of the new students, the day was a dream come true. Several parents and guardians who accompanied them expressed delight at the university’s improved reputation and its culture of excellence. Some students described gaining admission after a highly competitive selection process as “a victory after long nights of preparation.”
With nearly 15,000 new intakes spread across the university’s faculties including Arts, Sciences, Engineering, Education, Social Sciences, Management Sciences, Law, Communication & Media Studies, and the School of Basic Medical Sciences, the 2024/2025 academic session is expected to be one of LASU’s most vibrant set.
The high number of applicants reflects the growing demand for quality university education and LASU’s sustained reforms under its current administration. The institution has consistently ranked among the top state-owned universities in Nigeria, earning accolades for research, innovation and improved student services.
The matriculation ceremony concluded with departmental orientations aimed at helping new students settle into the academic, social and digital learning environment of the university.
As LASU opens a new chapter with thousands of fresh minds, expectations remain high that the university will continue to balance expansion with its commitment to producing globally competitive graduates.
