Francesca Odimgbe
The Governor of Lagos, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has restated his administration’s unwavering commitment to educational improvement, investing in minds and transforming learning outcomes for students at the state-owned tertiary institutions.
Sanwo-Olu made the commitment at the official commissioning of the newly constructed Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu Library Complex at the Lagos State University, Ojo. It is a state-of-the-art facility designed to provide students with access to cutting-edge technology, digital research facilities, and innovation labs.
The Governor said the state government had continued to embark on digital initiatives and innovative approach to nurture a generation of thinkers, noting that the library represents a commitment that defines a symbol to serve using leadership to impact people’s lives and giving children a befitting tomorrow.
He said: “This moment is deeply personal, not because this edifice bears my name, but because it represents the very ideals that have shaped my journey — the belief that education is the bridge between potential and purpose, and that knowledge is the most enduring legacy any generation can bequeath to the next.
“This Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu Library Complex stands as a testament to Lagos State’s unwavering commitment to intellectual empowerment.
“It is our collective declaration that Lagos will never stop investing in minds, because it is the trained mind that conceives invention, builds bridges, heals wounds, writes history, and redefines tomorrow.
“Under our THEMES+ Agenda, we have continued to make education and technology the twin engines of development—from the ongoing school infrastructure upgrade to the EkoDigital initiative, the LASU Technology Hub, and now this Library Complex, which serves as a digital gateway to global knowledge and innovation.
“We are deliberately nurturing a generation of thinkers, creators, and problem-solvers — young Lagosians who will lead the Fourth Industrial Revolution from the heart of Africa’s most dynamic city.
“To have this library bear my name is an honour I receive with humility and gratitude. But let me be clear; this is not a monument to self; it is a symbol of service. For me, leadership is not about leaving one’s name on walls, but about leaving an impact in people’s lives.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu urged the LASU community, particularly faculty, students, and staff, to guard the library with pride, use it with purpose, and let it become the soul of their academic pursuit. He also implored every young Lagosian “to dream boldly, study passionately, and remember that Lagos State believes in you.”
Also speaking, the Minister of Education, Dr Olatunji Alausa, urged other state governments to emulate Governor Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to education development and belief in human capital development. He acknowledged the Vice Chancellor and management of Lagos State University for their support in promoting a conducive environment where students thrive.
Alausa said the library, which is an architectural masterpiece for learning, innovation and growth, is aimed at equipping students with the tools of learning that would establish Lagos as a centre for educational development, setting a model for others to follow.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Mr Tolani Sule, said the library was a commitment of the Lagos State Government to fostering academic research and innovation in the university.
In her speech, the Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, celebrated the new milestone in LASU, as she praised Governor Sanwo-Olu for his support of the university’s growth.
She said the Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu Library Complex is the biggest in any university in West Africa.