sports

Sanwo-Olu Appoints Badejo New LASU Vice-Chancellor

Published

1 month ago

September 10, 2026

Badejo LASU Vice-Chancellor appointment takes effect after Sanwo-Olu names Professor Badejo Ayodeji Olawunmi to lead the university

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu approved the appointment of Professor Badejo Ayodeji Olawunmi as the new Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University, LASU, on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, marking a leadership transition at one of Nigeria’s major state-owned universities.

Also read: Cooking Gas Prices Fall as Supply Rises Across Nigeria

The appointment was announced by Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy Gbenga Omotoso in a statement issued on Wednesday.

Professor Badejo succeeds Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, whose five-year tenure is ending with her retirement from the university.

The appointment comes as LASU prepares for a fresh administrative chapter following the completion of Olatunji-Bello’s tenure.

Professor Badejo, a scholar in Guidance and Counselling, was born on August 4, 1962. She has built her academic career in the field and holds both a PhD and a Master of Education degree in Guidance and Counselling from the University of Lagos.

Her academic background places student welfare, counselling and educational development among the areas associated with her professional expertise.

The appointment gives Professor Badejo the responsibility of leading LASU at a time when Nigerian universities are under increasing pressure to strengthen academic standards, research output, graduate employability and institutional administration.

For Lagos State, the leadership of LASU carries particular significance. The university has grown into a major institution serving students from Lagos and beyond, while also playing a prominent role in the state’s education and research landscape.

Professor Olatunji-Bello’s departure follows five years at the helm of the university. Her tenure included a period in which higher education institutions across Nigeria continued to navigate funding pressures, industrial disputes, technological changes and growing demands for improved learning infrastructure.

Professor Badejo now inherits the responsibility of building on existing achievements while addressing the challenges that accompany the management of a large public university.

The Lagos State Government said the appointment was approved by Governor Sanwo-Olu on September 9, 2026.

The government did not immediately provide further details about Professor Badejo’s priorities or the specific terms of her appointment.

Her selection also places a woman at the centre of LASU’s senior academic leadership as the institution enters another important phase of its development.

Professor Badejo’s experience in Guidance and Counselling could prove relevant to the wider student experience, particularly as universities increasingly place emphasis on mental wellbeing, academic support, career development and inclusive learning environments.

The transition is expected to attract attention from academics, students, alumni and other stakeholders who will be watching how the new administration approaches the university’s academic and institutional priorities.

Professor Badejo’s immediate task will be to assume leadership of the institution following the completion of Professor Olatunji-Bello’s five-year tenure and ensure continuity while establishing her own administrative direction.

Also read: Cooking Gas Prices Fall as Supply Rises Across Nigeria

The appointment therefore represents more than a change of office. It is a significant moment for LASU as a new Vice-Chancellor takes responsibility for guiding the university through the next stage of its academic and institutional development.

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sports

Liverpool Releases Moving Biography Honouring Diogo Jota

Published

15 hours ago

October 22, 2026

Peculiar Adirika

Liverpool Diogo Jota biography, Forever in Our Hearts, celebrates the late forward’s life, career and legacy, with profits funding grassroots football

Liverpool Football Club have released a new biography celebrating the life and legacy of former forward Diogo Jota, with all profits from the book set to support a grassroots football programme being established in his name through the LFC Foundation.

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Titled ‘Forever in Our Hearts’, the biography was written by Portuguese author and former professional footballer José Delgado and published by Reach Sport. Liverpool announced the release on Thursday, October 22, 2026, through a post on the club’s official X account.

The book traces Jota’s journey from his early years in Portugal to his rise as one of his generation’s respected forwards and a much-loved member of the Liverpool football family.

Drawing on interviews with family members, friends, teammates and coaches, the biography offers a personal account of the footballer’s character, professional achievements and relationships beyond the pitch.

Contributors include Jota’s wife, Rute, his parents, Isabel and Joaquim, and former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp, alongside more than 90 other people who knew him throughout his life and career.

Their recollections highlight Jota’s determination, humility and commitment to football, while exploring the personal qualities that earned him affection among teammates, supporters and colleagues.

The biography also celebrates the close bond between Jota and his brother, André Silva, reflecting on the impact both men had on those around them and the wider football community.

Jota enjoyed significant success during his career, winning the Premier League with Liverpool and the UEFA Nations League with Portugal.

His performances, work ethic and contribution to the teams he represented helped establish his reputation in European football.

However, ‘Forever in Our Hearts’ also confronts the tragedy of July 2025, when Jota and André died, leaving family members, friends, teammates and supporters mourning their loss.

Delgado said the project began as an effort to preserve Jota’s memory during a period of profound sadness, with a commitment to presenting an honest and respectful account of the lives of both brothers.

“My commitment throughout was to tell his story with care, honesty and respect for Diogo, André, and the family and friends who loved them,” Delgado said.

The author added that the willingness of those closest to the brothers to share their memories had helped capture their personalities and the depth of affection they inspired.

Reflecting on Jota’s relationship with Liverpool, Delgado said the accounts gathered during his research revealed qualities extending beyond his footballing ability, including humility, dedication and personal character.

He expressed hope that the biography would provide a lasting tribute while inspiring future generations of footballers.

The book is available through official Liverpool FC stores and online, with proceeds directed towards the grassroots football programme being developed in Jota’s name through the LFC Foundation.

The release forms part of Liverpool’s continuing efforts to honour the forward and his brother. Earlier in 2026, the club unveiled a permanent memorial outside Anfield, giving supporters a dedicated place to remember the brothers and reflect on their legacy.

Through the biography and the planned community football initiative, Liverpool is seeking to ensure that Jota’s influence endures beyond his playing career, helping create opportunities for young people to participate in the sport he loved.

Also read: PRP Rejects Bauchi’s Proposed N298bn Loan

The project combines remembrance with a practical commitment to grassroots development, offering a way for Jota’s passion for football to continue benefiting future generations.