UNILAG VC lauds alumni commitment to varsity devt

The Vice Chancellor of University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, Professor Folasade Ogunshola, has commended the alumni association of the institution for consistently contributing to the development of their alma mater.

She said their efforts are noticeable, even as she advocated stronger support to jointly further lift the university to a greater height.

Ogunsola gave the commendation at an anniversary event organised by the Lagos State branch of the association.

According to her, no modern university can thrive without enjoying support from many angles, including that of the alumni associations and other philanthropists.

She stated that for a university to be globally and sustainably competitive, it also requires partnership and collaboration also with international institutions and companies.

She said: “For UNILAG, we prioritise innovation, which are emerging from our Entrepreneurship and Skills Development Centre.”

The impact of infrastructural renewal, she pointed out, is aimed at improving the learning, research, and residential experience across disciplines in the university.

She added that these advancements are part of the university’s broader vision to position itself as a future-ready and research-driven institution capable of responding effectively to national and global challenges.

She said that though UNILAG had made considerable progress in this regard, much more can still be achieved through robust collaborations with alumni groups and business partners.

She therefore appealed afresh to everyone and groups including captains of industries to institute endowments and scholarships to support students who are from academically disadvantaged backgrounds.

“We would also like our industry research partners to speak of problems to us, challenge us and put down money for us to carry out research that will fill the industry gaps,” she stressed.

Earlier, in his welcome address, Chairman of the Alumni group, Lagos branch, Mr. Adedeji Owoeye, reaffirmed the commitment of the group to give back to the university that produced them.

He underscored the importance of synergy that should exist between academia and industry, saying that is a way of fixing challenges that will lead to society transformation..

According to him, part of our goals as an alumni association is to build bridges between the knowledge producers in the university and the industries that power the economy.

Owoeye called for more support from members of the group and also captains of industries in the areas such as innovation, mentorship, internships, and infrastructure development.

He said all these are critical to the future of Nigeria’s education.

 “I strongly believe that, together, we can shape a future where our university continues to produce not just graduates, but leaders, innovators, and changemakers,” he stressed.

The highpoint of the event was the presentation of awards to some individuals for their contributions to the development of the alumni association, UNILAG and the society at large.

They included Mrs Mojisola Merenda, who is the Deputy Speaker, Lagos House of Assembly, Mr. Folusho Phillips, who is the Executive Chairman of Phillips Group; Dr Seinde Fedeni, MD of GMT Energy Resources Ltd; Dr Segun Oshundairo, Chairman of Onigbongbo LCDA, Mr. Seyi Jakande, Chairman of Odi-Olowo\Ojuwoye LCDA; Mr Moyosore Adebanjo (Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Central Internal Audit); Dr Ayoola Oyeyemi, Dr Olufemi Ogunsanya, Mr Adigun Saheed, Mr Yussuf Kelani, among others.

Owoeye congratulated all the award recipients, comprising alumni group members and partners, saying their strong contributions and support to the cause of the association and society at large earned them the honour, urging them to keep up the tempo.

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