On Saturday, March 29, 2025, Professor Foluso Ebun Afolabi Lesi officially assumed office as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services) at the University of Lagos (UNILAG). His appointment, confirmed by the UNILAG Governing Council on March 3, 2025, marks the beginning of a two-year tenure set to conclude on March 28, 2027.
With a distinguished career spanning academia, medical practice, and institutional leadership, Professor Lesi brings a wealth of experience to the role, positioning him as a driving force in the university’s developmental trajectory.
A Legacy of Excellence: Professor Afolabi Lesi’s Journey
Born in Lagos and raised between Lagos and Dublin, Ireland, Professor Lesi’s academic foundation was laid at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos (CMUL), where he earned his MBBS degree in 1984. He further honed his expertise at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), attaining the Fellowship of the West African College of Physicians in Paediatrics (FWACP (Paed.)) in 1994. His quest for academic excellence led him to University College London, where he obtained a Master’s degree in Mother and Child Health with distinction in 1997. In recognition of his contributions to medicine, he was awarded the Fellowship of the Royal College of Physicians of London (FRCP) in 2011 and later served as an International Adviser to the Royal College.
A seasoned academic with over 29 years of experience, Professor Lesi has mentored generations of undergraduate and postgraduate students across various health disciplines. His research, with more than 60 publications in reputable journals, has significantly impacted Paediatric Neurology and Child Development. His passion for education extends beyond research, as he has played a pivotal role in curriculum development, ensuring that medical training at UNILAG aligns with global best practices.
A Proven Administrator and Visionary Leader
Professor Lesi’s track record in leadership and administration is as remarkable as his contributions to academia. His past roles include:
- Secretary of the Paediatric Association of Nigeria
- Secretary-General of the West African College of Physicians
- Chairman of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (LUTH Branch)
- Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee at LUTH
- Acting Head, Department of Paediatrics
- Dean, Faculty of Clinical Sciences
- 14th Provost, College of Medicine, UNILAG
- Chairperson of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).
His tenure as Provost was marked by strategic reforms, infrastructural development, and improved governance structures. As a firm believer in teamwork and innovation, he has consistently championed policies that drive institutional growth while upholding the highest standards of integrity.
The Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services): A Critical Role
The Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services) is central to UNILAG’s advancement, overseeing infrastructural expansion, partnerships, and community engagement initiatives. This office plays a crucial role in shaping the university’s future by aligning its growth with national and international academic trends.
Created in 2017, the Office has been occupied by three (3) astute professors of the University of Lagos:
- Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, who is now the incumbent Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos
- Professor Ayodele V. Atsenuwa, a vibrant and vastly knowledgeable Professor of Public Law
- Professor Foluso Ebun Afolabi Lesi, the pioneer male occupant of the Office.
The University of Lagos community heartily welcomes Professor Lesi to this new chapter and wishes him a fulfilling tenure marked by innovation, strategic development, and sustained excellence.
Author: Nike Ogunshakin
13 responses
Prof. Lesi is an astute administrator, he believes in service delivery and has a strong passion for growth and development. He is an epitome of fairness and justice. May you succeed with like your predecessors. More grace….prof.
A well deserved post/position for our indefatigable former provost,well articulated and hardworking gentleman.
I pray that may the good Lord gives you divine multiplying factors of wisdom, knowledge and understanding to continue the good work in your new assignment/position.
Professor Lesi has a heritage of medical scholarship having been a son of a father who was also a Professor of Pediatrics and one of Unilag pioneers in medical education.
Wishing him a very successful tenure in office and a greater heights
Hearty Congratulations, Prof FEA Lesi.
You certainly merit the position. I wish you a very successful tenure and more glorious achievements ahead by the Grace of God.
Best regards
Hearty Congratulations, Prof FEA Lesi.
You certainly merit the position. I wish you a very successful tenure and more glorious achievements ahead by the Grace of God.
Best regards
This position has hitherto been occupied by knowledgeable and astute administrators.
It’s a continuation of qualitative leadership.
I wish the Professor very well in his new role.
Congratulations sir.
It is a well deserved appointment. May your tenure bring greater things to Unilag.
Congratulations to you on your appointment as the deputy vice chancellor (development services).This is a well deserved recognition of your exceptional leadership, academic, excellence and your tireless contributions to the university.
I wish you all the best as you embark on this new chapter in your career.
May God bless you with wisdom,guidance,and strength as you lead the university into a brighter future.
Prof. Lesi is a well respected leader of Men and Institutions. I have complete confidence in his capacity. All the best sir.
Congratulations to Professor Afolabi Lesi on this well deserved appointment. I am proud to attest to your focus and excellence from medical student days at The University of Lagos, to taking leadership roles in the West African College of Physicians, The MDCN and now DVC. Surely the reward for good work is greater work! Wishing you greater heights. Long live Unilag, our Alma mater!
Prof Lesi is someone that’s so hard working, friendly and knowledgeable in his chosen carrier. He has attended to my daughter several times at padeatric dept at LUTH and you can see and feel his expertise couple with humanity in his dealings with patients.
I wish him the best in his future endeavours which I know he will definitely succeed.
Prof Afolabi Lesi is humility personified. His drive for excellence is outstanding. No doubt UniLag is positioned for greater exploits and excellence in service.
Wish Prof. Lesi a very impactful tenure.
Professor Lesi is known for pragmatic approach to development I hope he will bring this wealth of experience to bare in his new office