Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos, on Thursday urged lecturers of the institution to strive to be mentors to their students.Ogundipe gave the advice at the exaugural lecture of Prof. Olubunmi Magbagbeola, Acting Head, Department of Biochemistry in Lagos.

The title of the lecture is: Reminiscence of a Biochemist; A Mother from Analog to Digital Era in University of Lagos, 1979 to 2021.

According to him, there is need for lecturers to always strive to make their students better versions of themselves.

“It is extremely important that lecturers do everything to make their students better in the various courses they take them in.

“The lecturers must serve as mentors and not tormentors to all their students, as this would give them the motivation they need in succeeding.

“We must always strive to make our students or anyone under our guidance the best version of themselves, as this would be for the benefit for everyone involved in the process,” he said.

Ogundipe applauded Magbagbeola on her years of service to the institution, describing her as a role model to her former colleagues.

He implored members of staff to always set good examples for others to follow.

“In life, there are three stages, which is the entry point, in between and exit point. The exit point is very good because you would be excited about certain things.

“Some people finish very weak at the point of exit, while some finish stronger, and I can tell you that Prof. Magbagbeola falls in the latter category.

“She contributed and trained so many people and has a hand in so many people’s success as she touched the lives of so many.

“She has finished vey strong and it can only get better, as she would keep on getting stronger because of her personality,” he said.

In her remark, Magbagbeola appealed to her colleagues to always take the interest of their students’ academics and welfare as their top priority.

Magbagbeola, who did her 42 years of service in the university in the Biochemistry Department, College of Medicine, advised her colleagues to always lift each other.

“I would like to appeal to my colleagues that I am leaving behind in the system to take the interest of the students at heart, both in their academics and welfare.

“I have risen through several ranks and encountered several obstacles and hindrances on the way, so I would love to appeal to our colleagues to be humane, instead of hindering progress.

“We rise by lifting others, so we must always strive to be our brother’s keeper and abstain from trying to bring other people down, no matter the circumstances,” she said.

The don applauded the organisers of the event and the school management for the effective planning of the school.

Also speaking, Prof. Oluyemi Akinloye, Dean, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, urged lecturers to emulate the dedication and commitment of Prof Magbagbeola.

He said that the reception received by the outgoing professor showed that hard work and professionalism always pay off.

Dr Wahab Okunowo, Acting Head, Department of Biochemistry, also lauded the dedication of the retiring professor.