The Faculty of Arts at Lagos State University (LASU) is set for a leadership transition following the election of Professor Kabiru Olawale Paramole of the Department of Religions and Peace Studies as its new Dean.
Professor Paramole emerged victorious in a closely contested election held on Tuesday at the New TETFund Postgraduate Hall 1 on the university’s main campus in Ojo, Lagos, defeating Professor Isaac Adeniyi Yekini-Ajenifuja of the Department of Music.
The election, which drew members of the faculty to the polls, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to democratic principles in the selection of academic leaders. At the end of the exercise, Professor Paramole polled 51 votes to edge his opponent, who secured 47 votes. Three ballots were declared invalid, bringing the total number of votes cast to 101.
Declaring the result, the Deputy Registrar, Faculty Officer and Returning Officer, Mr. Samuel Gbedozin, announced Professor Paramole as the Dean-designate of the Faculty of Arts.
His election paves the way for a change in the faculty’s leadership as the tenure of the incumbent Dean, Professor Ayo Ayodele, comes to an end on July 31, 2026. Professor Paramole is expected to formally assume office on August 1.
The outcome of the election was widely regarded as a reflection of the confidence reposed in the Dean-designate by members of the faculty. The keenly fought contest also underscored the vibrancy of LASU’s internal democratic process, where academic administrators are chosen through electoral participation by their peers.
With his election, stakeholders expect Professor Paramole to provide strategic leadership that will consolidate the gains recorded by previous administrations while charting a new course for academic advancement within the faculty. He is also expected to strengthen research, promote innovation in the humanities, encourage interdisciplinary collaboration and enhance the overall learning experience for students.
Shortly after the announcement of the results, the outgoing Dean, Professor Ayodele, congratulated Professor Paramole on his victory and wished him a successful tenure. He expressed confidence that the incoming dean would build on the progress achieved over the years and sustain the faculty’s pursuit of academic excellence.
Professor Ayodele also urged members of staff to continue to work together in unity and support the new administration in its efforts to further reposition the Faculty of Arts for greater accomplishments.
One of the foremost academic units of Lagos State University, the Faculty of Arts has earned a reputation for producing accomplished graduates and scholars across diverse disciplines. Over the years, it has remained a major contributor to scholarship in the humanities through teaching, research, cultural studies and community engagement.
Observers believe the emergence of Professor Paramole marks the beginning of another important chapter in the faculty’s history, with expectations that his administration will consolidate institutional growth, strengthen academic standards and deepen the faculty’s contribution to the university’s vision of excellence.
As he prepares to take office on August 1, members of the university community are looking forward to a leadership that will foster inclusiveness, expand academic opportunities and sustain the Faculty of Arts’ reputation as one of LASU’s leading centres of learning and research.
