The Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), Otto-Ijanikin, has got approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC) for 66 new academic programmes as it prepares to admit its first set of undergraduates.

This was made known by Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Bidemi Lafiaji-Okuneye, at the first meeting and inauguration of senate since it transmuted to a university. The inauguration was done by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, Alhaji Sekinat Yusuf on campus in Otto-Ijanikin.

The Senate of LASUED is made up of the acting VC, as chairman, Registrar as Secretary, acting deputy VC, 29 heads of department, seven deans, six directors and nine visiting professors.

The Ag. VC said a verification exercise was carried out by experts from the NUC to the proposed 67 academic programmes from September 19 to 30, 2022.

“The superintendent body [NUC] had approved the establishment of the full-time mode of the undergraduate programmes to be run by the university with effect from the 2022/2022 academic session,” she said.

She said only Civic Education was not approved.

She noted that over 7,000 students applied to the institution for admission but the NUC had not given the university its required carrying- capacity.

“With manpower and facilities, we can carry more students,” she said.

Lafiaji-Okuneye said the meeting of the Senate for the first time was necessary in view of the accreditation.

She said: “I have no doubt that with the pedigree of the members of this Senate; our vision of taking the lead in the teacher education industry within the shortest time possible is just a matter of time.”

She noted that workshops and seminars were organised for principal officers and other key stakeholders, adding that the appropriate placement of staff had been carried out.

Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, Alhaja Sekinat Yusuf, described the inauguration of the Senate as important in the history of the university.

She noted that the ceremony was a testament to the institution’s mission to promote academic and moral excellence.

“Today, we are laying the ground work of a structure that will stand the test of time and it is gratifying to note that you are partakers,’’ she said.

The Pro-Chancellor praised Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his dedication to quality tertiary education in the state.

She told senate members to be committed to their duties including, setting academic regulations for students conduct and discipline, admissions, examinations, teaching and research quality that would have impact on the university.

“The admission of students are pending because the senate is yet to set the rules and regulations. With the inauguration of senate, one expects senate to expedite actions,” she added.

Yusuf urged the senate to cooperate with the governing council to take the university to enviable heights.