If you wonder how Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello was able to climb the ladder of success in academics despite the stereotype built against women in our society especially in the education sector, then you will know that it’s no child’s play. She deserves every kudos and love she is currently enjoying after she was announced by Governor Babajide Sanwoolu as the new Vice-Chancellor of the Lagos State University.
Her career path as a renounce educationist would not have been completed if not that she enjoyed immense support from her hubby Olatunji Bello, who gave her unflinching moral support and a wing to soar on. While Prof. Ibiyemi was studying to earn a Ph.D., her husband was also studying to earn a law degree at the University of Lagos decades ago.
Despite the heavy workload, Ibiyemi has always been a doting mother and has also played her role as a home builder. Ever since her foray into academics, she has set out her mind for success thereby chasing her dreams with much gusto. After severe studying and research; she was awarded the position as the first Professor of Physiology at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital. This further gave her a boost as her career rose astronomically. A year after, she also was appointed as the Deputy Vice-chancellor of the university twice and also acted as vice-chancellor of the university.
After her appointment, some naysayers and detractors averred that; her appointment was facilitated by her hubby who is a strong cabinet member of this administration. As the rumor kept going around, some are quick to forget that; in academics, competence and capacity come first. A source disclosed that; those saying that Tunji Bello was instrumental to her appointment are quick to forget that; in all capacity, Prof Ibijoke had acted, she was unique in her style of leadership and loved by all sundry. Will, they also say her husband also helped her get her Ph.D.? These talks are just mere talks from those who are aggrieved. She is more than capable. Her wealth of experience with LASU is quite enormous. She is familiar with the institution like the back of her hand. People don’t know that Tunji Bello would like to spend more time with his wife but with her appointment as VC, she would be super busy now. I can tell you for free, during the selection process, Tunji Bello stayed off completely. Out of the nominated candidates, she was the one who passed all needed criteria. Her selection was based on merit, not favoritism. She is only reaping the fruit of what she had labored for years ago. She got a reward for her passion for the university’s growth.”
