Accolades, Soul-soothing Tributes As Said Ends TwoTenure As LASU Bursar On Immaculate Note

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It was indeed a harvest of accolades, heart-pour of emotion-stirring tributes on Mr Said Babatunde Olayinka, a seasoned chartered accountant of enviably impeccable pedigree and outgoing Bursar of the Lagos State University (LASU) at the Raddison Blu Hotel Ikeja Friday, July 10, 2026.

Family, friends, professional associates, religious acquaintances, and indeed, the entire LASU community trooped out in their immaculate, yet golden attires apparently in stubborn deviance of the rain to accord a befitting send-forth honour to the philanthropic accountant of a unique specie after an impeccable meritorious two-term (eight years) professional discharge as the Citadel’s Bursary.

Among numerous speakers on the dignitaries -packed occasion was Prof Taiwo Afisi, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Acad), LASU,  who testified in his hearted tribute on that the financial reforms introduced by Gentleman Said, the varsity’s outgoing Bursar have significantly strengthened transparency and accountability in the institution.

According to him, the financial control measures introduced by Said at the bursary unit have enhanced accountability, improved the university’s financial management system and remarkably blocked opportunities for financial leakages.

According to Afisi, the reforms by Said Olayinka brought about multiple layers of approval for financial transactions, making the university’s accounting processes more transparent and efficient.

“The financial control mechanisms that have been put in place have strengthened our system. Every transaction passes through several desks and officers before approval.

“These processes have transformed the financial standing of the university and have become a model that other institutions now come to study,” Afisi recalled.

The deputy vice-chancellor attributed the university’s improved financial position to Said’s prudent management and professional competence.

He further disclosed that LASU recorded substantial savings in 2022, describing the achievement as evidence of sound financial leadership.

Afisi added that Said Olayinka’s contributions at management meetings were always insightful, adding that his expertise played a vital role in shaping major financial decisions of the university.

He also commended the outgoing bursar for his cordial relationship with members of the university community.

He noted that he was widely admired for sharing thought-provoking and informative messages beyond his official duties.

The deputy vice-chancellor urged the incoming bursar to sustain the reforms and high professional standards established by Olayinka, describing the position as one that required dedication and competence.

He congratulated the outgoing bursar on what he described as a successful and impactful tenure, wishing him greater accomplishments in future endeavours.

In his address, Prof. Joseph Olagunju, a long- time friend and professional associate of the honouree described Olayinka as a disciplined and principled administrator whose career has exemplified integrity and commitment to public service.

According to Olagunju, the outgoing LASU bursar managed billions of naira belonging to the university throughout his career without compromising his integrity.

Olagunju also attested to the fact that Olayinka’s rise from a clerk to the university’s bursar was a remarkable story of perseverance, hard work and consistent self-development.

The Director, Centre for General Nigerian Studies, LASU, Prof. Mubashiru Olayiwola Mohammed (popularly called MOB) who, in fact, played the vital role as convener of the well-organised event, disclosed that the entire costs of the occasion were borne by friends, colleagues and associates of the honouree without collecting even a dime from the university management.

MOB, spoke glowingly of Said Olayinka, recalling that between the 22nd and 23rd of every month all the staff cadres of LASU are sure of receiving their salary alerts without fail, a system which the Professor noted has remained consistent over the years.

Other staff and even Union members also poured impressive tributes on the honouree even as numerous gifts of premium values were lavished on outgoing Bursar who is also generally beloved and reputed for his uncommon generosity, even as a professional accountant.

It is noteworthy that incidentally, the day marked Prof Mohammed’s (MOB) birthday anniversary.

Prof Toyin Enikuomehin, the DVC (Admin) LASU, known for his unique sense of fashion and dressing, also spoke impressively of the honouree at the occasion.