Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has approved the appointment of a new 11-member governing council for Lagos State University (LASU), as part of his administration’s effort to strengthen governance and academic quality at one of Nigeria’s leading public universities.

The appointments, which take effect from October 31, 2025, were confirmed in a statement signed by Bode Agoro, Lagos State’s Head of Service. The statement noted that the decision underscores the government’s commitment to improving the quality of education in state-owned tertiary institutions.

The new council will be chaired by Babatunde Ogala, a senior lawyer and former member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives. Other members include Oluseyi Badmus, Bode Makanjuola, Mojisola Tolagbe Taiwo, Shaffudeen Amuwo, and Rafiu Adisa Ebiti. Additional appointees are Kofo Durosimi-Etti, Farouk Gumel, Adenike Akanbi, Biodun Hundeyin, and Remi Desalu.

The Lagos State government said the appointments reflect a mix of public- and private-sector experience intended to enhance LASU’s capacity for innovation, research, and financial sustainability.

Caverton CEO among appointees

Among the new council members is Bode Makanjuola, the chief executive officer of Caverton Offshore Support Group (COSG), one of Nigeria’s leading aviation and marine logistics firms. Reacting to his appointment, Makanjuola described the role as “a huge honour and privilege to serve an institution that plays a pivotal role in shaping the futures of students, faculty, and the broader community.”

He expressed appreciation to Governor Sanwo-Olu for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to contribute to LASU’s continued pursuit of academic excellence, innovation, and inclusive growth. Makanjuola also commended the university’s leadership and staff for their unwavering dedication to the institution’s mission, adding that education remains central to sustainable development.

“I remain committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, servant leadership, and impactful governance,” he said.

Makanjuola’s appointment brings extensive corporate experience to the LASU council. Educated at Adesoye College, Offa, and King’s College Taunton, Somerset, he earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Leicester, followed by a Master’s in Shipping, Trade and Finance from City University Business School, London.

He began his professional career in 2000 as an industrial trainee with Elder Dempster Nigeria, before moving into oil and gas logistics and maritime services. Between 2002 and 2006, he worked with Le Global Oilfield Services as an LPG Trader and Business Development Executive, later becoming Operations Director/Chartering Manager at Caverton Marine Limited in 2006.

By 2007, he was appointed Executive Director at Caverton Offshore Support Group, eventually rising to the position of Chief Executive Officer, a role he continues to hold.

Under his leadership, Caverton has expanded beyond its core aviation and marine logistics business into new areas of sustainable water transport and local manufacturing. The group recently launched OMIBUS, Nigeria’s first electric passenger ferry, developed in partnership with ExploMar (Suzhou) Energy Technology Co. Ltd of China. The initiative marks a step toward greener urban mobility in Lagos, where water transportation is increasingly seen as a solution to congestion and emissions.

Earlier this year, Caverton also formalised a joint venture, UNITY Shipping Worldwide, with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and Stena Bulk, a Swedish shipping company. The partnership aims to strengthen Nigeria’s offshore logistics capacity and improve its competitiveness in the global shipping market.