The University of Lagos (UNILAG) commenced activities for the 2026 International Customer Service Week (ICSW) on Tuesday, October 6, with a media engagement and an awareness walk aimed at promoting service excellence across the University’s campuses.
Held under the theme, “The Extra Mile,” the media engagement, which took place at the Senate Chamber, set the tone for the week-long campaign.
Speaking with the media, the Director of the Quality Assurance and SERVICOM (QAS) Unit, Professor Olufemi Saibu, said the University’s success stories were built on a deliberate commitment to exceeding expectations.
He noted that this commitment was reflected in the University’s academic and institutional achievements, including its recognition in the Times Higher Education rankings. He also highlighted merit-based initiatives, including scholarship opportunities, as important to advancing academic excellence and sustaining the University’s reputation.
The media engagement was followed by an awareness walk led by Professor Saibu and other members of the Quality Assurance team. The walk commenced at the J. F. Ade. Ajayi (Main) Auditorium, proceeded through various departments and offices on the Akoka campus, and extended to the College of Medicine, Idi-Araba.
Accompanied by songs and enthusiastic displays, the walk took the message of ‘The Extra Mile’ directly to members of the University community.
The exercise reinforced the message that good service goes beyond the routine discharge of duties. Prompt responses, courtesy, effective communication, and a willingness to provide additional assistance, the campaign emphasised, are essential to improving the experience of members of the University community.
On Wednesday, October 7, 2026, the second day of the three-day programme featured a student innovation competition, which showcased technology-driven solutions to improve communication between students and the University. Four teams participated, presenting app-based solutions designed to bridge existing communication gaps. The participating teams included Lag Voice, Ace and Whisper.
The contestants presented their applications to a panel of judges, who assessed the entries to identify the most promising solutions. The competition highlighted the creativity of UNILAG students and the potential of technology to improve communication and access to University services.
The week’s activities underscored the central message of the theme: service excellence often lies in the willingness to do more, respond more effectively, and make a meaningful difference in the experiences of others.
Among those present at the activities were Professors Florence Alaba Oladeji, Ifeoma Okafor, Abraham Osinubi, Abimbola Sowemimo and Esther Oluwafunmilayo Makinde, as well as Dr. Dooshima Dorothy Gbahabo and other members of the University community.
The 2026 ICSW will culminate on Thursday, October 8, with a Stakeholders’ Forum and an award ceremony to recognise staff members and offices that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to service delivery and the principle of going the extra mile.
Report: Bayo Salau & Akinola Afolabi
Photographs: Michael Joshua / Mistura Akashoro (Intern)
