New Governing Council Appointed for Lagos State University
The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has appointed a new Governing Council for the Lagos State University (LASU). The appointments took effect from October 31, 2025. This decision was formalized through an approval letter signed by Mr. Bode Agoro, the state’s Head of Service, which confirmed the governor’s assent to the 11-member council.
The move is part of the administration’s ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of education in state-owned higher institutions. The council will be led by Babatunde Ogala, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), and will include members such as Oluseyi Badmus, Bode Makanjuola, Mojisola Tolagbe Taiwo, Shaffudeen Amuwo, and Rafiu Adisa Ebiti. Additional members include Kofo Durosimi Etti, Farouk Gumel, Adenike Akanbi, Biodun Hundeyin, and Remi Desalu.
Reaction from a Council Member
One of the newly appointed members, Mr. Bode Makanjuola, who also serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Caverton Offshore Support Group, expressed his gratitude for the appointment. “This appointment represents a huge honour and privilege to serve an institution that plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of the students, faculty, and the broader community,” he said.
Makanjuola thanked the governor for the trust placed in him and emphasized his commitment to contributing to LASU’s mission of academic excellence, innovation, and inclusive growth. He also acknowledged the leadership and staff of LASU for their warm reception and dedication to the university’s goals.
Background and Career of Bode Makanjuola
Makanjuola’s journey into intellectualism began at Adesoye College in Offa, Kwara State. He then pursued advanced level studies at Kings College Taunton, Somerset, United Kingdom, between 1994 and 1996. He later attended the University of Leicester in England from 1996 to 2000, where he studied Mechanical Engineering. Following this, he earned a Master’s degree in Shipping Trade and Finance from the City University Business School in England.
His career in the business world started in 2000 as an industrial trainee at Elder Dempster Nigeria. Between 2002 and 2006, he worked as an LPG Trader/Business Development with Le Global Oilfield Services. From 2006 to 2007, he served as Operations Director/Chartering Manager at Caverton Marine Limited. In 2007, he became an Executive Director at Caverton Offshore Support Group, where he currently sits on the board of several bluechip companies.
Contributions to the Business Sector
Throughout his career, Makanjuola has engaged in various commercial trading contracts with entities such as the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Nigerian LNG, and several international trading companies. His work has significantly contributed to the growth of the oil and gas sector in Nigeria.
Caverton Offshore Support Group (COSG) is a Nigerian company that provides integrated marine and aviation logistics services, primarily to the oil and gas industry. Recently, the company has expanded its operations into boat manufacturing, aiming to address transportation challenges in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub.
Innovations and Strategic Partnerships
Under Makanjuola’s leadership, COSG has experienced remarkable growth, positioning Nigeria on the global map. In August 2024, the company announced a strategic partnership with ExploMar (Suzhou) Energy Technology Co. Ltd. of China. This collaboration marked a significant step toward sustainable transportation in Nigeria, as Caverton Marine integrated electric outboard engines from ExploMar into its newly launched passenger ferries, named OMIBUS.
In addition, Caverton recently unveiled the OMIBUS Electric Ferry, the first of its kind in Nigeria, aimed at promoting a sustainable water transportation system.
Earlier this year, in Abuja, the company collaborated on the formalization of the NNPC shipping joint venture UNITY Shipping Worldwide. This joint venture brought together NNPCL, Caverton, and Stena Bulk, a Swedish shipping company.