The Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, on Friday, September 18, 2026, officially commissioned the newly renovated Boardroom of the Faculty of Environmental Sciences.
The renovation was undertaken by an alumnus of the Department of Building, Bldr. Lukman Morenikeji Opaleye, Managing Director of Erectas Engr. Co. Ltd. The project transformed a boardroom that had remained largely unchanged for about 25 years. From the entrance door to the interior fittings and furnishings, virtually every aspect of the old boardroom was remodelled and equipped with modern facilities.
According to Prof. Ogunsola, the project is a shining example of what can be achieved when a university works collaboratively with its alumni.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor, accompanied by members of the University Management team, described the donor’s gesture as the mark of “a mind of gratitude” rather than entitlement, and as an expression of leadership that looks beyond the immediate to the future.
She noted that the gesture would inspire students and academics alike, adding that, given the limitations of central funding, the University must continue to rely on collaboration with its alumni and other stakeholders.
“Ideas matter; money will follow value,” she said.
While congratulating the Faculty and appreciating the donor and the contractor, Prof. Ogunsola appealed to other alumni to “come and do more.” She also invited Bldr. Opaleye to return to the University to speak with students and provide internship opportunities that would enable them to learn from his professional expertise and character.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Dean of the Faculty, Professor Olumide Adenuga, who is marking his first year in office, described the occasion as evidence of what is possible when vision, leadership, goodwill, and commitment to one’s alma mater come together.
He said he assumed office with the conviction that a leader should leave a lasting footprint, adding that the need to improve the Faculty’s physical facilities and create an environment conducive to learning soon became evident. The old boardroom, he noted, had served the Faculty for several decades and deserved a new lease of life.
Prof. Adenuga explained that he sought to transform the space without placing undue financial burden on the Faculty or the University and therefore reached out to the Faculty’s alumni. Bldr. Opaleye, he said, responded to the call, embraced the vision, and committed himself to its realisation.
He described the renovated boardroom as more than a refurbished room, calling it “a statement of possibility,” and expressed appreciation to the University Management for its support.
The Dean also appealed to alumni to join forces with the Faculty to do more in areas including infrastructure, scholarships, research support, innovation, leadership, and mentoring. He described the occasion as the beginning of a new chapter in alumni-Faculty partnership.
A featured video presentation during the ceremony highlighted how this vision is already taking shape across the Faculty’s grounds. Attendees watched a recap of recent upgrades, including the resurfacing of the previously pothole-ridden entrance and car park, the repainting and repair of buildings with the assistance of students and experts, and the installation of a 24/7 CCTV network, which has significantly reduced incidents of office break-ins and theft.
Reflecting on his journey, Bldr. Lukman Morenikeji Opaleye credited the Department of Building with shaping his character and professional career.
“UNILAG made me,” he stated simply, explaining that the project was a token of appreciation for the investment the University made in his development.
To ensure the facility remains in good condition, he also pledged that his company would undertake the full maintenance of the boardroom for the next three years.
The Chairman of the occasion, Engr. Ayodele Olanrewaju Kuyebi echoed these sentiments, reminding attendees that excellence is a core value instilled in everyone who passes through UNILAG.
The ceremony concluded with the Vice-Chancellor presenting Awards of Recognition and Appreciation to Bldr. Opaleye and the Chairman of the occasion, Engr. Kuyebi. The Faculty also presented a gift to the Vice-Chancellor in appreciation of her support.
The event was attended by the Deputy Vice-Chancellors: Prof. Foluso Afolabi Lesi (Development Services), Prof. Muyiwa Falaiye (Management Services), and Prof. Matthew Ilori (Academics and Research); the Registrar, Mrs. Victoria Abosede Wickliffe; the Bursar, Mrs. Funmilola Adekunle; and the Director of Academic Planning, Prof. Olufunlayo Bammeke.
Reporter: Lynda Onah
Photographer: Maleeq D. Quadri (Intern)
