In a remarkable stride towards bolstering education and administrative prowess, Dr. Hakeem Babatunde Shittu has been appointed as the Chairman of the Lagos State Universal Education Board (LASUBEB). His exceptional journey from humble beginnings to this esteemed role is a testament to his dedication and unwavering commitment to public service.
Born into the Alhaji and Alhaja Rafith Shoye Shittu family of the Ogunbanjo lineage in Ejinrin, coupled with ties to the Olowu family in Epe, Lagos State, Dr. Shittu’s early years were shaped by values rooted in resilience and academic excellence. His educational foundation was laid at Ibadan Municipal Government Primary School in Oyo State, and he furthered his studies at Nazareth Grammar/Commercial College in Epe. His thirst for knowledge led him to Lagos State College of Science and Technology (now Lagos State Polytechnic) in Isolo, where he obtained his HND in Business Administration in 1987.
Continuing his pursuit of higher education, Dr. Shittu undertook Post Graduate Studies (PGD) in Marketing at Delta State University, followed by a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) from the same institution. His thirst for expertise then led him to Olabisi Onabanjo University, where he earned a BSc. in Accounting. Emphasising his belief in education’s transformative power, he further earned MSc degrees in Accounting and Forensic Accounting & Criminal Investigation from Saint Monica University in Buea, Cameroon. Notably, he graduated as the top student in his MSc class, paving the way for his subsequent pursuit of a PhD in Forensic Accounting and Audit at Charisma University, UK.
Demonstrating a ceaseless hunger for learning, Dr. Shittu is currently in pursuit of another PhD, this time in Security and Strategic Studies at Nasarawa State University, Keffi, focusing on the Institute of Governance and Development Studies.
His accolades also include being a Chartered Accountant and a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA). He has significantly contributed to various professional organisations, including the Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered) (FNIM), Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (FCTI), International Institute of Certified Forensic Investigation Professionals (FCFIP), and the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), among others.
Dr. Shittu’s professional journey has spanned both the private and public sectors. Starting as the Chief Accountant of Elite Textile Nigeria Limited, a prominent textile manufacturing company in Lagos, he later became a Partner at Kim Consultants Ltd and Babatunde Shittu & Co, firms of Chartered Accountants, Management, and Tax Consultants.
Transitioning to the public sector, his commitment earned him appointments as a Special Assistant in various capacities by former Lagos State Governors Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN. His expertise and dedication continued to shine, leading to his appointment as a Permanent Board Member at LASUBEB on September 11, 2019, by Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu. In this role, he oversees the Planning, Research, and Statistics Department of the Board.
Dr. Hakeem Babatunde Shittu’s trajectory is a story of unyielding commitment to education, excellence, and service. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he is a devout Muslim and a loving husband and father. As he takes the reins as the LASUBEB Chairman, his journey of determination and dedication promises to bring transformative changes to the realm of education in Lagos State and beyond.
