The Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Lagos (UNILAG) drew the curtains on the series of events to commemorate its 50th Anniversary in grand style with an Awards and Dinner Night on Thursday, October 19, 2023.
Held at the Professor Tolu Odugbemi Hall (formerly Staff School Hall), the Awards and Dinner Night provided a platform for the celebration of notable personalities including the pioneer Head of the Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Distinguish Prof. Ayo Francis Ogunye and a former Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Rahaman Bello, FAEng.
Other distinguished individuals who have made remarkable contributions to the field of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering also got various awards at the ceremony. These include a former Head of Department and Dean of Engineering, Emeritus Professor Albert Susu NNOM; immediate past Head of Department and first female Professor in the Faculty of Engineering, Professor Atoke Ogunbayo; Professor Lajoye Oyekunle, and incumbent Head of Department, Dr. (Mrs) Faith U. Babalola to mention but a few.
Similarly, the ’86 Class also acknowledged and showed appreciation to staff of the Department for their outstanding achievements in research, teaching, industry collaboration, and community engagement even as they served the Department, Faculty, and university. Chief Phillip Adebola, who spoke on behalf of the ’86 class, expressed satisfaction with the achievements of the department since its establishment. He, tasked the department to continue to be the shining light for prospective students.
In his own remarks, the Dean, Faculty of Engineering, Professor Obanishola Sadiq also acknowledged the immense contributions of the founding fathers of the department. He noted that they possessed an unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries, exploring new frontiers, and harnessing the power of science to transform industries.
Also at the occasion was the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, (Management Services) Professor Lucian Obinna Chukwu who represented the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS. He averred that the honoured individuals have not only excelled in their respective fields but have also nurtured generations of engineers who have gone on to make their own mark in the world. His words ” Tonight’s event is not only a celebration of their achievements but also an opportunity for us to express our gratitude”.
In her address, the Acting Head of Department, Dr. (Mrs) Faith Uchenna Babalola explained that the event was to commemorate the department’s rich history and recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the department’s success over the years.
There were also remarks from current faculty members, alumni, and industry leaders who shared their experiences and insights on the department’s journey over the past five decades.
Attendees at the Awards and Dinner Night had the opportunity to network with professionals from various sectors, thereby fostering connections that could lead to future collaborations and advancements in the field.
