On Saturday, March 29, 2025, Professor Foluso Ebun Afolabi Lesi officially assumed office as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services) at the University of Lagos (UNILAG). His appointment, confirmed by the UNILAG Governing Council on March 3, 2025, marks the beginning of a two-year tenure set to conclude on March 28, 2027.
With a distinguished career spanning academia, medical practice, and institutional leadership, Professor Lesi brings a wealth of experience to the role, positioning him as a driving force in the university’s developmental trajectory.
A Legacy of Excellence: Professor Afolabi Lesi’s Journey
Born in Lagos and raised between Lagos and Dublin, Ireland, Professor Lesi’s academic foundation was laid at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos (CMUL), where he earned his MBBS degree in 1984. He further honed his expertise at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), attaining the Fellowship of the West African College of Physicians in Paediatrics (FWACP (Paed.)) in 1994. His quest for academic excellence led him to University College London, where he obtained a Master’s degree in Mother and Child Health with distinction in 1997. In recognition of his contributions to medicine, he was awarded the Fellowship of the Royal College of Physicians of London (FRCP) in 2011 and later served as an International Adviser to the Royal College.
A seasoned academic with over 29 years of experience, Professor Lesi has mentored generations of undergraduate and postgraduate students across various health disciplines. His research, with more than 60 publications in reputable journals, has significantly impacted Paediatric Neurology and Child Development. His passion for education extends beyond research, as he has played a pivotal role in curriculum development, ensuring that medical training at UNILAG aligns with global best practices.
A Proven Administrator and Visionary Leader
Professor Lesi’s track record in leadership and administration is as remarkable as his contributions to academia. His past roles include:
- Secretary of the Paediatric Association of Nigeria
- Secretary-General of the West African College of Physicians
- Chairman of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (LUTH Branch)
- Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee at LUTH
- Acting Head, Department of Paediatrics
- Dean, Faculty of Clinical Sciences
- 14th Provost, College of Medicine, UNILAG
- Chairperson of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).
His tenure as Provost was marked by strategic reforms, infrastructural development, and improved governance structures. As a firm believer in teamwork and innovation, he has consistently championed policies that drive institutional growth while upholding the highest standards of integrity.
The Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services): A Critical Role
The Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services) is central to UNILAG’s advancement, overseeing infrastructural expansion, partnerships, and community engagement initiatives. This office plays a crucial role in shaping the university’s future by aligning its growth with national and international academic trends.
Created in 2017, the Office has been occupied by three (3) astute professors of the University of Lagos:
- Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, who is now the incumbent Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos
- Professor Ayodele V. Atsenuwa, a vibrant and vastly knowledgeable Professor of Public Law
- Professor Foluso Ebun Afolabi Lesi, the pioneer male occupant of the Office.
The University of Lagos community heartily welcomes Professor Lesi to this new chapter and wishes him a fulfilling tenure marked by innovation, strategic development, and sustained excellence.
Author: Nike Ogunshakin
Source: UNILAG