In a continued effort to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry realities, the University of Lagos hosted Geoplex Drill Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Wole Ogunsanya, FNSE, for a high-impact mentorship interaction with students on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
Held at the Julius Berger Hall, UNILAG, the engagement was organised by the Office of Advancement in collaboration with the Faculty of Engineering, UNILAG.
The event tagged: From Lecture Room to Board Room, is a core part of the University’s strategic drive to connect students with accomplished alumni and industry leaders.
Lessons on Integrity and Professional Discipline
Addressing the students, Engr. Ogunsanya, a proud alumnus of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, challenged them to embrace integrity as a foundational principle for both personal and professional success.
According to him, integrity remains one of the most powerful qualities that can help individuals achieve their highest potential while earning the trust and respect required for long-term leadership.
Drawing from his professional journey, he shared practical lessons on the importance of discipline, competence, and sustained hard work.
“Many young people want to get to the top quickly without embracing the discipline and commitment required to sustain success,” he noted, urging the students to focus on building strong professional capacity rather than pursuing titles without the necessary preparation.
The strategic thought-leader in oilfield services further highlighted resilience, dedication, and a strong value system as essential attributes for effective leadership in today’s competitive professional environment.
Commitment to Alumni Engagement
In her welcome remarks, the Director of the Office of Advancement, Dr. Taiwo F. Ipaye, FNIM expressed appreciation to the guest speaker for honouring the University’s invitation and for his continued commitment to giving back to his alma mater.
She explained that the initiative was intentionally designed to create platforms where students can interact directly with accomplished alumni and industry leaders whose real-life experiences can inspire and guide the next generation.
Dr. Ipaye also commended Engr. Ogunsanya and Geoplex Drill for their sustained support to the University community through donations, scholarships, and professional development opportunities.
According to her, in demonstration of his continued support for the University community, four members of staff will soon embark on a one-week intensive training programme in China fully sponsored by the distinguished alumnus.
She added that the alumnus has also committed to supporting the refurbishment of the Julius Berger Hall, giving the facility a much-needed facelift.
University Leadership Commends Initiative
Also speaking at the event, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Professor Samson Oluropo Adeosun, expressed gratitude to the guest speaker for agreeing to share his wealth of experience with the students.
He spoke highly of the alumnus’ immense support to the Faculty and encouraged participants to internalise the lessons from the session, noting that such interactions often serve as catalysts for personal and professional transformation.
Earlier, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services), Professor Foluso Ebun Afolabi Lesi, who represented the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, conveyed the University Management’s appreciation to Engr. Ogunsanya for his generosity and dedication to mentoring the next generation of professionals.
Professor Lesi observed that opportunities for students to interact closely with successful industry leaders were far less common in the past.
He pointed out that the University of Lagos is now intentionally creating platforms that connect students with accomplished alumni, strengthening mentorship culture and preparing graduates to thrive in the realities of the modern workplace.
According to him, through initiatives such as this, the University continues to demonstrate how purposeful alumni engagement can serve as a powerful tool for mentoring students, strengthening institutional networks, and preparing graduates for meaningful leadership in society.
Recognition and Appreciation
A plaque of appreciation was thereafter presented to Engr. Ogunsanya by the University, witnessed by the Director of the Office of Advancement and the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering.
Delivering his remarks, the Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dr. Adekunle Omolade Adelaja, thanked the guest speaker for the impactful presentation and encouraged the students to remain committed to their academic and professional development.
Building on a Growing Initiative
The maiden edition of “From Lecture Room to Board Room” was held on campus on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. It featured two distinguished alumni of the Faculty of Management Sciences: Dr. Samuel Ogbodu, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Sunu Assurances Limited, and Mr. Segun Odusanya, Managing Director of First Securities Discount House (FSDH).
Both speakers delivered what participants described as candid, practical, and deeply inspiring masterclasses on career development and leadership.
Report: Bayo Salau
Photographs: Samuel Dosunmu
