Sanwo-Olu Opens New 550-Seater LASU Olatunji Bello Auditorium

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• Bello’s name permanently inscribed in LASU’s growth story — VC

The Epe campus of the Lagos State University (LASU) came alive on Wednesday as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu commissioned a 550-seater auditorium endowed to the institution by the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Mr. Olatunji Bello.

The imposing edifice, with its artistic façade, was gifted to LASU four years ago to mark Bello’s 60th birthday, fulfilling a pledge made by the former Secretary to the Lagos State Government.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by academics, veteran journalists, government officials, students, former Ogun State Governor Aremo Segun Osoba, and political leaders in Lagos.

Sanwo-Olu described the facility as a “beacon of knowledge, creativity and intellectual engagement,” noting that it would enrich academic discourse, foster cultural exchange, and inspire students toward excellence.

“This iconic edifice, generously donated by one of our illustrious sons, Hon. Olatunji Bello, stands as a testament to vision, commitment, and the enduring value of giving back to society,” the Governor said. “This modern facility is more than just a building; it will serve as a hub for learning and innovation.”

Gov. Sanwo-Olu commissions 550-seater Olatunji Bello Auditorium at LASU Epe campus, a landmark endowment boosting education and academic excellence.

Sanwo-Olu thanked Bello for the donation, stressing that it aligned with the Education and Technology pillar of his THEMES+ Agenda. He assured continued government investment in LASU and support for corporate and individual endowments to boost the institution’s infrastructure.

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, described the auditorium as “a testament to the power of an individual’s commitment to public good,” praising Bello for his vision and legacy.

Former LASU Pro-Chancellor, Sir David Sunmoni, commended the project as “a classic example of individual social responsibility,” while LASU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, said the facility represented a strategic investment in academic excellence and institutional identity.

“It reinforces the fundamental truth that where we invest in education, we invest in tomorrow’s leaders,” she noted, adding that Bello’s philanthropy had also extended to annual scholarships for graduates in Engineering, Social Sciences, Mass Communication, Law, and Medicine.

Bello, speaking on his inspiration, said the project was motivated by his desire to leave an enduring legacy in academia and bridge infrastructural gaps in public universities.

“Certainly, the government alone cannot do it. Private individuals who have the means should invest in public tertiary education to create more opportunities, as is prevalent in developed countries,” he said.

The FCCPC boss revealed that a private management company had been contracted to maintain the auditorium for one year before handing it over to LASU.

The auditorium, designed to global standards, is equipped with compact writing platforms for lectures and seminars, a stage with cloakrooms, three convertible 30-seater classrooms, an overhead gallery to boost capacity, and flexible office spaces.