Lagos State University: A Comprehensive Biography
Introduction
Lagos State University (LASU) is a renowned public university located in Ojo, Lagos State, Nigeria. Established in 1983, LASU has grown to become one of Nigeria’s leading institutions of higher learning, offering a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional programs.
Founding and Early Years
Lagos State University was established by the enabling Law of Lagos State, 1983, with the aim of providing Lagos State with a university that would cater to the educational needs of its growing population. The university began operations on October 19, 1983, and has since expanded its academic and infrastructural facilities to meet the demands of modern education.
Campus and Facilities
LASU’s main campus is situated in Ojo, along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway. Additionally, the university operates satellite campuses at various locations including Ikeja and Epe. Each campus is equipped with facilities that support academic activities and student life.
- Academic Facilities: The university features modern lecture halls, laboratories, libraries, and research centers. The libraries are stocked with a vast collection of books, journals, and electronic resources to support learning and research.
- Student Life: LASU offers a vibrant student life with residential halls, student unions, sports facilities, and various student organizations. The Student Union Government (SUG) plays an active role in representing student interests and organizing events.
- Research Centers: LASU houses several research institutes and centers that focus on various academic disciplines and societal issues, contributing to the body of knowledge and community development.
Academic Programs
Lagos State University offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs through its various faculties and schools. The university operates on a collegiate system with the following faculties and schools:
- Faculty of Arts
- Department of English
- Department of Foreign Languages
- Department of History and International Studies
- Department of Linguistics, African and Asian Studies
- Department of Philosophy
- Department of Theatre Arts and Music
- Faculty of Education
- Department of Adult Education
- Department of Educational Management
- Department of Guidance and Counseling
- Department of Human Kinetics, Sports and Health Education
- Department of Science and Technology Education
- Faculty of Engineering
- Department of Chemical and Polymer Engineering
- Department of Civil Engineering
- Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering
- Department of Mechanical Engineering
- Faculty of Law
- Department of Private and Property Law
- Department of Public Law
- Department of International Law and Jurisprudence
- Faculty of Management Sciences
- Department of Accounting
- Department of Banking and Finance
- Department of Business Administration
- Department of Industrial Relations and Personnel Management
- Department of Insurance
- Department of Management Technology
- Faculty of Science
- Department of Biochemistry
- Department of Botany
- Department of Chemistry
- Department of Computer Science
- Department of Fisheries
- Department of Mathematics
- Department of Microbiology
- Department of Physics
- Department of Zoology
- Faculty of Social Sciences
- Department of Economics
- Department of Geography and Planning
- Department of Political Science
- Department of Psychology
- Department of Sociology
- School of Clinical Sciences
- Department of Anaesthesia
- Department of Medicine
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- Department of Paediatrics
- Department of Psychiatry
- School of Basic Medical Sciences
- Department of Anatomy
- Department of Biochemistry
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology
- Department of Pharmacology
- Department of Physiology
- School of Public Health
- Public Health programs focusing on various specializations within the field.
Contributions and Achievements
Over the years, LASU has made significant contributions to education, research, and community development:
- Research Excellence: LASU has achieved notable research outputs in various fields, contributing to academic knowledge and societal advancement.
- Community Engagement: The university is actively involved in community service and development projects, particularly within Lagos State.
- Alumni Network: LASU’s alumni network includes many prominent figures in various sectors, such as government, business, academia, and the arts.
Challenges and Development
Like many Nigerian universities, LASU faces challenges such as funding constraints, infrastructural deficits, and the need to continually update curricula to meet global standards. However, the university administration is committed to addressing these challenges through strategic planning and partnerships.
Future Prospects
Lagos State University aims to enhance its reputation as a leading institution of higher learning in Nigeria and beyond:
- Infrastructure Development: Continued investment in modern infrastructure and technology to create a conducive learning environment.
- Academic Excellence: Strengthening academic programs and research initiatives to meet global standards.
- International Collaboration: Expanding partnerships with international universities and research institutions to foster academic exchange and collaboration.
Admission Requirements for Lagos State University (LASU)
Admission into Lagos State University (LASU) involves meeting specific criteria, which vary depending on the level of study (undergraduate or postgraduate) and the mode of entry (Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), Direct Entry, or Postgraduate). Below are the detailed requirements for admission into LASU:
Undergraduate Admission Requirements
- Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) Admission
- O’ Level Requirements: Candidates must have a minimum of five (5) credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language and Mathematics, at not more than two sittings in WAEC (West African Examination Council), NECO (National Examination Council), or equivalent examinations.
- UTME Score: Candidates must meet or exceed the minimum UTME score set by LASU for the particular academic session. This score is usually aligned with the JAMB (Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board) cutoff mark, but specific courses may have higher requirements.
- Post-UTME Screening: Candidates must participate in the LASU Post-UTME screening exercise and achieve a satisfactory score. The screening typically includes an examination and possibly an interview.
- Age Requirement: Candidates must be at least 16 years old by the time of admission.
- Specific Subject Requirements: Candidates must have the required O’ Level subjects and UTME subject combinations relevant to their chosen course of study. For example, science courses may require credits in subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
- Direct Entry Admission
- O’ Level Requirements: As stated above for UTME candidates.
- Advanced Level Qualifications: Candidates must possess at least two (2) A’ Level passes in relevant subjects, or an equivalent qualification such as an NCE (National Certificate in Education), OND (Ordinary National Diploma), HND (Higher National Diploma), or a first degree in a related field, with good grades.
- Direct Entry Form: Candidates must obtain and fill out the Direct Entry form from JAMB.
- Post-UTME Screening: Direct Entry candidates may also be required to undergo a screening exercise conducted by the university.
Postgraduate Admission Requirements
- Postgraduate Diploma (PGD)
- Bachelor’s Degree: Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree with at least a third-class division from a recognized university or an HND with at least an upper credit in a related field.
- Relevant Experience: Some programs may require candidates to have relevant work experience.
- Academic Transcripts: Candidates must provide official academic transcripts from their previous institutions.
- Master’s Degree
- Bachelor’s Degree: Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree with at least a second-class lower division from a recognized university.
- Relevant Field: The degree should be in a relevant field to the intended postgraduate program.
- Academic Transcripts: Candidates must provide official academic transcripts from their previous institutions.
- References: Candidates may need to submit letters of recommendation.
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Master’s Degree: Candidates must have a master’s degree with a minimum of a 60% average or a GPA of 3.5 on a 5-point scale from a recognized university.
- Research Proposal: Submission of a research proposal outlining the intended area of study may be required.
- Academic Transcripts and References: PhD applicants must provide academic transcripts and letters of recommendation.
General Admission Process
- Application: Candidates must apply through the JAMB portal for undergraduate programs or through the LASU postgraduate portal for postgraduate programs.
- Documentation: Submission of required documents, including academic transcripts, certificates, identification documents, and possibly letters of recommendation.
- Screening: Participation in any required screening exercises, such as Post-UTME for undergraduates or departmental interviews for postgraduates.
- Admission List: Successful candidates are listed in the admission list published by the university.
- Acceptance and Registration: Admitted candidates must accept the admission offer and complete the registration process, including payment of the acceptance fee and other applicable fees.
Important Notes
- Cut-off Marks: The cut-off marks for various courses can vary annually based on the general performance in UTME and other factors.
- Course-Specific Requirements: Some courses may have additional requirements or higher cut-off marks.
- Supplementary Admissions: LASU may offer supplementary admission opportunities for candidates who did not initially meet the cut-off marks for their chosen courses but are willing to switch to other courses with available slots.
Prospective students are advised to regularly check the LASU official website and the JAMB portal for updates on admission guidelines, deadlines, and specific requirements for their intended programs.
Conclusion
Lagos State University stands as a significant pillar of higher education in Nigeria. Its commitment to academic excellence, research, and community service underscores its mission to contribute to the development of Lagos State and the nation at large. As the university continues to grow and evolve, it remains dedicated to producing graduates who are well-equipped to meet the challenges of the modern world.
