UNILAG VC rallies aumni to champion global excellence, infrastructure growth

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Professor Folasade Tolulope Ogunsola, has urged alumni and stakeholders to deepen their support for the institution as it strives for global recognition and long-term sustainability.

Speaking at the recent stakeholders, partners, and alumni engagement event held at the Jelili Omotola Hall, Prof. Ogunsola emphasized that alumni are not just part of the university’s legacy, but central to shaping its future.

“We are not just asking for donations, we are inviting you to invest in something greater than all of us: the sustained excellence and impact of the university that helped define who we are,” she said. “Alumni are the lifeblood of any great university.”

Highlighting UNILAG’s expanding role in solving real-world problems, she cited ongoing collaborations with the Nigerian Air Force on braking systems, as well as student-led renewable energy initiatives. She urged alumni to lend their support to such impactful research ventures.

Prof. Ogunsola also detailed several infrastructure projects made possible through alumni and stakeholder contributions, including the Sir Kesington Adebutu Research Centre at the College of Medicine, the rehabilitation of the J.F. Ade-Ajayi Auditorium by the Lagos State Government, and the AI Unipod Laboratories through a partnership with the UNDP.

She announced a series of upcoming developments, including a new state-of-the-art School of Postgraduate Studies building, three high-rise staff accommodation blocks, and a modern student hostel, many of which are being funded through donations, notably from Chief Tunde Fanimokun.

Calling on alumni to remain engaged, the VC encouraged them to see themselves not just as past beneficiaries, but as active co-architects of UNILAG’s future. “Whether through mentorship, philanthropy, strategic partnerships, or advocacy, your involvement will shape what comes next. Together we thrive, forever we strive,” she said.

ALSO READ: Ogun govt urges calm amid flash floods, warns of more rains ahead

Also speaking at the event, Chief Bayo Ojo, Chairman of the Advancement Management Board, stressed the importance of sustained investment and innovation in education. “For every generation, there is a defining moment. This is ours. If we get education right, we secure the future—not just for UNILAG, but for the nation.”

The event, jointly organized by the Advancement Board, the University Governing Council, university management, and the Alumni Association, served as a strategic platform to review achievements, address challenges, and set future goals.

In his remarks, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), praised alumni for their unwavering support and called for deeper involvement in the university’s advancement.

“No government can singlehandedly fund education,” he said. “We must all take ownership of this institution’s future. Through your donations and commitment, we can transform UNILAG into a world-class university.”

He drew a parallel with Harvard University’s $51.1 billion endowment, underscoring the role of private and alumni funding in building globally competitive institutions. “Let us come together and build a university that we, and future generations, can be proud of.”