Today, I want to celebrate the incredible journey of Dr. Oluremi Nurudeen Olaleye, whose transformative leadership has written a new chapter in Nigerian educational history. He recently completed his tenure as the last Rector of the Lagos State Polytechnic that has become Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH).
When Dr. Olaleye assumed office as Rector of Lagos State Polytechnic in December 2020, he inherited an institution in crisis—paralyzed by industrial action, deteriorating infrastructure, and broken relationships. Five years later, he has not only restored the institution to health but led it through an unprecedented transformation into Lagos State University of Science and Technology.
This is not just an administrative achievement—it’s a testament to visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence. Dr. Olaleye cleared a backlog of over 400 staff promotions spanning four years, bringing relief and hope to hundreds of families. He implemented the new minimum wage and paid 14 months of arrears, never once delaying monthly salaries despite Nigeria’s economic challenges. He restored peace where conflict reigned, transforming adversarial relationships into genuine partnerships through dialogue, transparency, and fairness.
Under his watch, the Polytechnic maintained full five-year NBTE accreditation for over 60 programs and rose to become the 2nd best polytechnic in Nigeria. He oversaw massive infrastructure development—200 solar-powered streetlights, modern lecture halls, upgraded internet to 512 Mbps, and projects worth millions. He revived revenue-generating units, including LASPOTECH Water, Feedmill, and agricultural ventures, demonstrating that educational institutions can achieve financial sustainability.
But the crowning achievement was shepherding the historic transmutation from Polytechnic to University—a feat unprecedented in Nigerian tertiary education.
He successfully navigated the rigorous National Universities Commission resource verification, secured approval for over 35 degree programs across 5 Colleges, and conducted the first university admission while serving as Acting Vice Chancellor. He managed this monumental transition while ensuring existing Polytechnic students were not disadvantaged, even as he workef with both Polytechnic and University Councils simultaneously.
Dr. Olaleye turned crisis into excellence, conflict into collaboration, decay into development, and a Polytechnic into a University. He demonstrated that transformative leadership, grounded in integrity, collaboration, and genuine concern for people’s welfare, can achieve the seemingly impossible.
As he concludes this remarkable five-year tenure, Dr. Olaleye leaves behind solid foundations for LASUSTECH to build upon—experienced faculty, modern infrastructure, collaborative stakeholder relationships, and renewed institutional confidence. His legacy will inspire generations to come.
This is what servant leadership looks like. This is what commitment to excellence produces. This is the story of how one man’s vision, supported by dedicated teams and government commitment, transformed an institution and created hope for thousands of students, staff, and their families.
Dr Olaleye’s affable and unassuming personality stand him out among his peers. His achievements speak volumes. Today, Lagos State University of Science and Technology wears a new look and has invariably become a coconut plantation. We all owe it to his visionary leadership. More success stories will be told come 2026, insha Allah.
Dr Olaleye, I, as well as the Committee of Friends are all proud of you. More wins. Illali amaam biquratiLlah.
Congratulations, Dr. Olaleye, on a job extraordinarily well done.
*’Elder Yinka Salaam is an Assistant Director News in Voice of Nigeria (VON)
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