LASU VICE-CHANCELLOR, PROF. IBIYEMI OLATUNJI-BELLO, APPOINTED TO BOARD OF ADVISORS OF US-BASED MILLENNIUM CAMPUS NETWORK (MCN)

LASU VICE-CHANCELLOR, PROF. IBIYEMI OLATUNJI-BELLO, APPOINTED TO BOARD OF ADVISORS OF US-BASED MILLENNIUM CAMPUS NETWORK (MCN)

The Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, has been appointed to the prestigious Board of Advisors of the Millennium Campus Network (MCN), a leading global non-profit organisation empowering student leaders to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This appointment comes shortly after her participation at the High-Level Political Forum on the SDGs held at the United Nations Headquarters, New York, on Monday, 21st July 2025. At the Forum, Professor Olatunji-Bello represented the entire African continent, being the only African Vice-Chancellor invited to speak at the global event.

In her appointment letter, MCN’s Executive Director, Sam Vaghar, commended the LASU Vice-Chancellor’s “civic leadership and voice” and her consistent dedication to “elevating young civic leaders” over more than four decades of service in higher education. He praised the extraordinary impact of Millennium Fellows at Lagos State University, describing it as “a testament to the dynamic role faculty and the administration play in supporting them.”

The Millennium Fellowship, jointly presented by MCN and the United Nations Academic Impact since 2018, is a fast-growing civic leadership programme for undergraduates advancing the SDGs. In 2024 alone, over 52,000 applicants from 6,000 campuses across the world competed for 4,000 fellowship slots, with selected Fellows dedicating more than 300,000 hours to civic engagement projects between August and November. MCN currently boasts over 20,000 alumni worldwide, 87% of whom work in social impact careers across public and private sectors.

As a member of the MCN Board of Advisors, Professor Olatunji-Bello will play a key role in guiding the organisation’s global student movement, contributing her insights on ethical leadership, participatory governance, and sustainable development. Advisors provide strategic support, advocate for the network’s mission, speak at events, and help connect thought leaders to advance the movement.

In her acceptance letter, Professor Olatunji-Bello expressed gratitude for the recognition and reaffirmed her commitment to youth empowerment and sustainable development.

 “This is both an honour and a responsibility. I am inspired by the work of the Millennium Campus Network in raising a new generation of ethical, collaborative leaders. Lagos State University will continue to be a strong supporter of this global movement", she said.

This development further cements LASU’s position as a leading institution in Africa championing the SDGs, following its strong partnerships, ethical leadership credentials, and increasing global visibility.