Lagos State University, LASU, should be named after the first executive governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande.
The family of the former governor made the call to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday, at the first Lateef Jakande Annual Memorial Lecture, 2023, organised by the Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE.
The event was held at Sheraton Hotel, Lagos.
Speaking at the well attended event, Jakande’s son, Seyi Jakande, declared that his father, being the founder of LASU at the time he was the state governor, deserved that the university should be named after him.
He said Ogun State University, OSU, which was founded during the administration of Chief Olabisi Onabanjo, had since been named after him, hence Olabisi Onabanjo University, OOU.
He also gave the example of Bendel State University which has also been renamed Ambrose Alli University, AAU, after the governor at the time, Ambrose Alli.
Seyi Jakande said although the idea had been mooted before, stated that nothing had been done to make the dream a reality.
He therefore called on the governor to revisit the issue and name the state university after his father.
“I want Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to revisit the discussion,” he said.
Top and elderly journalists who had direct contact with the former Lagos State governor, particularly in his hey days as a journalist, paid glowing tributes to him.
They spoke well of his virtues, describing him as a blessing to journalism in Nigeria.
Some of the dignitaries are former governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba; the publisher of Vanguard newspaper, Sam Amuka; top columnist, Chief Tola Adeniyi; Mr. Lade Bonuola; Dr. Dayo Duyile and many others.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, graced the occasion and eulogised Jakande for his virtues.
Speaking on the quality of life Jakande lived, he posited that a life well spent is not determined by how long one lived but by how impactful the life is.
His words: “I am glad that we are here today to be part of this annual lecture instituted to honour the memory of a great administrator, an elder statesman, and the first civilian governor of our state, Alhaji Lateef Jakande.
“Jakande did not only live long to the ripe age of 91, but whose life was a reflection of humanity at its abundance with several stories of positive impacts.
“Though the passing of Alhaji Jakande was somewhat painful to us as a state and to individuals who knew him personally because he was indeed a man of lovable personality.
“We wished he could live forever, we must give unreserved appreciation to God for blessing us with him and for also giving him the grace to live a life that touched and impacted lives.
“My administration and the good people of the state will forever remember Alhaji Lateef Jakande for his good deeds to the people of the state.”
Other dignitaries who spoke about Jakande are the provost of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, NIJ, Mr. Gbenga Adefaye; founder of Diamond Award for Media Excellence, Mr. Lanre Idowu; Mr. Musikilu Mojeed of Premium Times; the governor of Ogun State, Mr. Dapo Abiodun, who was represented by his media consultant, Mr. Kayode Akinmade among others.
