The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics) of Lagos State University (LASU), Prof. Taiwo Afisi, says the institution’s financial control mechanisms have made it difficult for anyone to steal or embezzle university funds.
Afisi said this at a send-forth ceremony organised in honour of the outgoing Bursar, Mr Babatunde Olayinka, on Saturday in Lagos.
According to him, the robust financial control system introduced by Olayinka has strengthened transparency, enhanced accountability and significantly reduced opportunities for financial malpractice.
“I always tell people that it is difficult for anybody to steal funds or embezzle money in our university because of the financial control mechanisms that have been put in place.
“Every transaction passes through several desks and officers before approval. Those controls have changed the financial standing of the university,” he said.
Afisi said Olayinka’s prudent financial management and expertise had contributed significantly to the university’s improved financial position.
He recalled that the university recorded substantial savings in 2022, attributing the achievement to the outgoing bursar’s financial competence.
“In 2022, the university recorded tremendous savings. Achieving such a feat requires someone with exceptional financial skills and competence,” he said.
The deputy vice-chancellor described Olayinka as a thorough professional whose contributions at management meetings were invaluable.
He also commended his interpersonal qualities, noting that beyond his official responsibilities, he regularly shared intellectually stimulating and socially relevant messages that kept members of the university community engaged.
Afisi added that several institutions had visited LASU to understudy the financial processes introduced during Olayinka’s tenure.
He urged the incoming bursar to sustain the high standards established by his predecessor, saying he had stepped into “very big shoes.”
Congratulating Olayinka on what he described as a successful and impactful tenure, Afisi wished him greater accomplishments in his future endeavours.
In a keynote address, Prof. Joseph Olagunju described Olayinka as a proud Lagosian whose career exemplified discipline, resilience and integrity.
According to Olagunju, the outgoing bursar managed billions of naira in university finances over the years while maintaining an unblemished record of accountability.
“For decades, he navigated the complex financial administration of the university and emerged with his integrity intact.
“He has shown that excellence is not merely a slogan but a personal way of life,” he said.
Olagunju traced Olayinka’s career from his early days as a clerk at LASU to his appointment as bursar, describing the journey as a testament to perseverance, dedication and self-development.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Director of Centre for General Nigerian Studies, LASU, Prof. Mubashiru. Mohammed, and other dignitaries attended the ceremony and paid glowing tributes to the outgoing bursar.
