The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, FAS, has identified alumni associations as important stakeholders in the growth, development, and advancement of academic institutions.
She stated this on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, while addressing members of the University Convocation for the very first time as the helmswoman.
The Convocation meeting which is happening five (5) days after the Congregation meeting had in attendance eminent alumni including former presidents of the University’s alumni body, Senator Dipo Odujinrin (1978-1980), Professor Olaide Abass, OON(2008-2013), President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Asiwaju (Dr.) Michael Olawale-cole amongst others.
The gathering, which was held physically at the J.F Ade. Ajayi Auditorium, Main Campus, Akoka, and virtually via zoom also featured the election of the representative of Convocation into the University’s Governing Council. The position became vacant, following the expiration of the tenure of the immediate past president of the UNILAG Alumni Association, Dr. John Momoh, OON on September 11, 2022.
In her capacity as Chairperson, Professor Ogunsola who declared the Convocation open highlighted activities embarked upon since she began her tenure as Vice-Chancellor. She spoke elaborately on areas that could put the university on the map for the right reasons and that which will invariably ensure the actualisation of the ‘Future Ready’ Agenda.
The Vice-Chancellor used the avenue to commend the UNILAG Alumni Association (worldwide) the home base (UNILAG) Chapter and those in the diaspora for their constant contributions, inputs, support and donations towards various infrastructural and developmental programmes, projects, endowments, and initiatives on campus. A feat she said, must be sustained for the continued development of the University.
The full text of the address is available here.
After the Vice-Chancellor’s address, the Registrar and Secretary to Convocation, Ọladẹjọ Azeez, Esq., informed the members of the convocation that the position of the representative of Convocation in council became vacant in September 2022. He also announced the Director of GST, Professor Aderonke Lawal-Are, as the Convocation Election Returning Officer.
According to him, after the closure of nomination for the vacant position, only Engr. Ifeoluwa Oyedele, FNSE the current Chairman, UNILAG Alumni Association (worldwide) showed interest in the vacant position.
The Registrar, thereafter declared Engr. Oyedele, as the only candidate competing unopposed in the election. Amidst jubilation by the crowd, the UNILAG Alumni President was declared the new representative of the Convocation in the University’s Governing Council
In his acceptance speech, Engr. Oyedele, FNSE, noted his emergence was a display of his ability to deliver on the decision-making body in the university.
In his words “…I am more than happy to take up this role because it affords me more responsibility to serve our university and at the same time it tells me that I have shoulders that can carry me whenever I need them”.
The Alumni President re-iterated the importance of the alumni body. He noted with delight that his representation in the council will further help seek best possible avenues to sustain the university legacy bequeathed by the founding fathers.
The newest UNILAG Governing Council member made a short trip to the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ogunsola, FAS who received and decorated him, accordingly.
Thereafter, the visibly-elated Alumnus was officially presented the acceptance letter, with photographs taken with the Vice-Chancellor and some other senior officials of the university.
