The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, has reiterated the commitment of the University’s current Governing Council to the transformation of the institution’s vast waterfront into a hub for economic growth, academic innovation and national prestige.
He stated this at the opening session of the 2025 UNILAG Council Retreat which kicked off on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at Epe Resort and Spa, Epe, Lagos State.
Chief Olanipekun said the mission is inspired by the feats which Egypt made with the Niles, how Harvard University transformed the Charles River into an intellectual and recreation hub and how the University of British Columbia explored its coastal lines for marine research, eco-tourism and sustainable development.
Themed: UNILAG Beyond Today: Unlocking Value, Optimizing Assets and Location, Shaping the Future, the retreat, according to the Pro-Chancellor, becomes imperative in view of the pressing need for an actionable plan which will aid the optimization of assets, unlock human and material potentials and engender genuine renaissance which will ultimately take UNILAG to the next level while consolidating her position as a trail blazer among the comity of ivory towers.
Chief Olanipekun identified UNILAG’s strategic location in the heart of Lagos metropolis (being the third largest economy in Africa) as a huge factor which, if well explored, will further endear the University as a global tourist site and a bio-aquatic research destination.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria expressed hopes that the joint efforts of the current Council and Management team will chart the course; initiate tangible steps and set the pace for other universities while actualizing the dream of a UNILAG of the Future.
In her presentation, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, took the gathering, through the University’s journey from inception till date. She gave a breakdown of academic programmes, faculties, staff and students’ population, facilities, rankings as well as challenges of the University.
Prof. Ogunsola also shared some milestones which UNILAG has vigorously pursued and consistently maintained especially in the areas of research quality, industry partnerships and international collaborations, students and staff exchange, entrepreneurship education, students’ career development initiatives, joint degree programmes, innovation and landmarks in the fields of Medicine and Health, Social Sciences, Science and digitization.
The retreat continued in full swing with a keynote address delivered by the Owosekun II, Asotun of Isotun, Ijesaland and renowned Higher Education Consultant, HRM Oba Professor Akin Owosekun, under the Chairmanship of Professor Obafemi Idowu. He showered encomia on both the Governing Council and Management team for embracing and pursuing a common developmental front for UNILAG.
The Royal Father advocated a deliberate and determined effort to consolidate and increase the University’s current revenue base via optimization of assets and location.
Prof Owosekun also recommended property development for rent or sale in prime locations; applied research and development relying on reverse engineering and mining of gold alongside other solid minerals such as lithium yielding minerals and gemstones.
Day one (1) of the retreat featured three plenary sessions as follows:
- Session One anchored by Chief Oyeniyi Akande which featured Professor Dapo Afolabi (former Head of Service and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education) who spoke on Upscaling Quality of Nigerian Universities and Rethinking their Funding Model;
- Professor Bola Oboh served as the Chairperson of Session Two (2) which had presentations by Professor Lucian Obinna Chukwu (Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Management Services) and Professor Timothy Nubi on Reviewing UNILAG’s Asset Base – Challenges & Opportunities; and
- Session Three (3) anchored by Professor Mike Adebamowo featured Dr. Dimeji Salaudeen (Chartered Accountant and Financial Consultant) who made a presentation on The University of Lagos – Unlocking Value through our real property/assets.
Each presentation dovetailed into brainstorming sessions during which participants shared their thoughts and ideas as well as gave suggestions which would engender a more progressive developmental agenda for the University of Lagos through its assets, location and human resources.
The 2-day UNILAG Council Retreat which had in attendance members of Council, Deans and a host of other principal officers of the University continues on Friday, April 4, 2025.
Report: Gbenga Gbelee
Photograph: Ayomide Oloyede
