Ex-LASU canteen worker now lecturer hails Badejo as new VC - Punch Newspapers
A former member of staff at Lagos State University, Dr Rebecca Uduakobong Adesiyan, has celebrated the institution’s newly appointed Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ayodeji Olawunmi Badejo, recalling how the don’s kindness and mentorship supported her journey. Adesiyan, now a Lecturer II at Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Kwara State, described Badejo as her “destiny helper” while congratulating her on her appointment as LASU Vice-Chancellor. In a testimony published by The Shield Online on Saturday, Adesiyan recalled starting out at the LASU Staff Canteen between 1999 and 2000 before returning to the university in 2005. She said she subsequently worked as Badejo’s secretary at the LASU Ikoyi Campus, at a time when she held an Ordinary National Diploma in Secretarial Administration. According to Adesiyan, Badejo went beyond the workplace to show her care and support, including insisting that she had breakfast at her home before they left for work. “I can still remember how you would insist that I had breakfast at your home before we left for work in Ikoyi,” she recalled. Adesiyan also remembered an occasion when Badejo intervened on her behalf after she was transferred from the Ikoyi Campus to the university’s main campus. She said Badejo approached the late Prof. Mobolaji Lateef Adetona and requested that she be allowed to remain at the Ikoyi Campus, having only recently resumed there. Sanwo-Olu appoints new LASU Vice-Chancellor Sanwo-Olu appoints Badejo new LASU VC I nearly lost weight from pressure to excel at LASU — First-class graduate “He graciously did so. May his soul continue to rest in peace. I have never forgotten that gesture,” she said. Years after her time at LASU, Adesiyan’s career took her to Covenant University, where she worked as an administrator for 19 years. She later completed a PhD in English Literature at Olabisi Onabanjo University and moved into academia. She is now a Lecturer II at Landmark University. Reflecting on her journey, Adesiyan said the lessons she learnt from people such as Badejo had continued to influence her professional life and relationships with others. “As I reflect on my journey, I realise that some of the lessons I learned from people like you have remained with me, shaped me, and continue to influence how I relate to others and approach my work,” she said. Congratulating Badejo on her emergence as Vice-Chancellor, Adesiyan described the appointment as “much-deserved” recognition of her capacity, integrity, dedication and years of service. She added, “Thank you, Professor, for the kindness, care and encouragement you showed me many years ago. Those seemingly simple gestures meant so much to me, and I remain deeply grateful.” Christabel Ndoeche
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