Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Tuesday inaugurated the Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu Library Complex at Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo a landmark facility described as the largest university library in West Africa.
Speaking at the ceremony, the governor said the new library reflects the state’s strong commitment to education, innovation, and knowledge. He described it as more than a physical structure, calling it a “living symbol” of the power of learning and the dreams of future generations.
“This moment is deeply personal for me, not because the library bears my name, but because it represents the ideals that have shaped my journey. Education remains the bridge between potential and purpose the greatest legacy any generation can leave behind,” Sanwo-Olu said.
The governor explained that the library is equipped with digital research facilities, reading lounges, innovation labs, and vast archives designed to blend traditional learning with modern technology. He said the project reflects his administration’s THEMES Plus agenda, which prioritises education and technology as key drivers of development.
Sanwo-Olu praised LASU for its steady growth into a “citadel of excellence” and acknowledged the contributions of former governors Babatunde Fashola and Akinwunmi Ambode to the university’s progress.
He added that his government had invested heavily in completing the library and other educational projects across the state. “This is not just an infrastructure project; it’s an investment in minds. Lagos will continue to invest in education because it is the educated mind that builds, heals, and innovates,” he said.
The governor also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his consistent support for human capital development and education initiatives nationwide.
He encouraged students and staff to take ownership of the new facility and use it to advance research, creativity, and innovation. “Having this library bear my name is not a monument to self but a symbol of service. Leadership is not about leaving names on walls; it’s about leaving an impact on lives,” he said.
Quoting the late literary icon Chinua Achebe, Sanwo-Olu reminded students that “one of the toughest tests of integrity is a blunt refusal to be compromised,” urging them to uphold honesty and discipline in their pursuit of knowledge.
“Let this library inspire generations to think deeper, act better, and serve selflessly. While the building may age, knowledge and innovation will endure,” he added.
The governor reaffirmed his commitment to further developing LASU and other educational institutions, pledging to complete the ongoing faculty complex and other projects within the university.
He declared the Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu Library Complex open, describing it as “a territory of learning, a beacon of innovation, and a gift to prosperity.”
In his remarks, the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, praised the Lagos State Government for making education a top priority and for continuously investing in human capacity development.
