The Senate of Lagos State University (LASU) has elected Professor Oseni Taiwo Afisi as the new Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics) of the institution.
His election marks a significant milestone for the university, with the distinguished academic emerging as the clear winner in a competitive race.
In the election, Prof. Afisi defeated his opponent, Prof. Maruf Suraqat Animasahun, the Director of the LASU Museum and Chairman of the LASU IIVC, by a decisive 198 to 2 votes. Prof. Afisi’s victory was a testament to his immense contributions to the university and his longstanding dedication to academic excellence. He will succeed Prof. Olufunsho Abayomi Omobitan, whose tenure as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics) will end on January 29, 2025.
Prof. Afisi, a distinguished philosopher, will officially assume office on Thursday, January 30, 2025. His rise to this position reflects his outstanding career and his commitment to advancing the academic and institutional development of LASU.
Born on July 15, 1974, into the Afisi-Shokun-Agbajegoriite-Onilegbale Royal House of Isale-Eko, Lagos Island, Prof. Afisi has a rich educational background. He attended Ajenifuja Primary School in Ilupeju, Mushin, Lagos, before moving on to Ilupeju College. He graduated from the University of Lagos in 1998 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy and further obtained his Master of Arts degree in 2002. In 2014, Prof. Afisi earned his Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Canterbury, New Zealand.
Since joining LASU in March 2007, Prof. Afisi has steadily risen through the ranks, becoming an Associate Professor in 2020 and a full Professor in 2023. Notably, he is the first indigenous professor of philosophy in LASU’s Department of Philosophy. His academic expertise lies in philosophy of science, logic, and critical rationalism.
Prof. Afisi’s administrative prowess is equally impressive. He served as the Head of the Department of Philosophy from 2019 to 2021 and was appointed as the Director of Special Interventions in 2021. He has also been the Coordinator of LASU Ventures Ltd since March 2024.
Prof. Afisi’s academic career is decorated with numerous awards and grants. These include the prestigious 2023 Institutional Based Research (IBR) Grant from TETFUND and the 2021 Hannah Arendt Humanities Network Annual Text Seminar Award at Bard College, New York. His research and leadership have earned him recognition in global academic circles, and he has presented at numerous conferences worldwide, including in countries like New Zealand, the USA, Brazil, and Austria.
In addition to his academic and research roles, Prof. Afisi has chaired several influential university committees, including the LASU Strategic Plan Review Committee and the LASU-LASG Sectorial Advisory Project. He is a member of the Philosophical Association of Nigeria and has been involved in national accreditation and resource assessment exercises for various Nigerian universities.
With his rich academic experience, leadership acumen, and dedication to the growth of Lagos State University, Prof. Afisi’s appointment as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics) is expected to further elevate the university’s academic stature.