The University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, engaged the institution’s alumni, stakeholders, and partners to foster collaborations and drive development in its call to action for a future-ready institution on Saturday, June 21.
Folasade Ogunsola, vice-chancellor at the University of Lagos speaking at the event said the university has enjoyed tremendous support from its alumni and friends over last year, evidenced by the several ongoing projects.
“I cannot mention all of the support we have received from you all, and there is always something more that can be done and given to UNILAG.
“We are aware that progress is never finished. We are called to build, not just for today, but for the generations that follow, and this is where you come in,” she said.
Ogunsola emphasised that the alumni association remains a veritable tool for relations with industries for the purpose of development as well as fundraising.
Hence, she said the alumni is in the prime position to be the university’s most loyal and generous supporter for the advancement of all spheres of the institution.
“Alumni are the lifeblood of any great university. You are our legacy, but also our future. I therefore ask you today, how will you write the next chapter of UNILAG? We must engage and ensure it’s positioned to proffer solutions.
“We have had successes with the Nigerian Airforce braking system, our students are working on alternate energy, and we thank our accelerators for their support towards scaling this to a larger scale. We ask that other join us, whether through mentorship, philanthropy, strategic partnerships, or advocating for our mission, your involvement can shape what comes next,” she said.
Bayo Ojo, chairman of the advancement board said the event is a call to duty for participants to employ a new thinking, new imagination, new approach, and creative solutions towards positioning the university in the league of the global best.
“For every generation, there is a defining moment, and a critical time when rights, decisions, and actions become imperative. What UNILAG at the moment is, if we get educational rights, we shall be assured of a top-rate society in the future.
To achieve this, we need to make the right investments in education. Therefore, in our continuous effort to strengthen collaboration, enhance engagement, and drive the growth of this great university, the advancement board, in collaboration with the university governing council, the management, and the alumni association worldwide, decided to host this meeting with stakeholders, partners, and alumni,” he explained.
He said the primary objectives include sharing updates, providing insights into the institution’s achievements, challenges, and strengthening relationships, among others.
“This opportunity is to foster deeper connections between stakeholders, partners, and alumni to create a stronger support network,” he said.
Wole Olanipekun, pro-chancellor, and chairman of governing council at UNILAG emphasised that the engagement was built on the common heritage of the stakeholders, partners and alumni.
Olanipekun called on participants to support the university to solidify its projects, because the government cannot do it alone.
“There is nowhere in the world where governments would fund education alone. It’s now a public commodity, public interest. I want to plead with you; UNILAG now have a council that you can trust, and we’re not asking for what we can take out of this university, but what we can give to it,” he said.
He emphasised the pivotal roles of alumni associations in supporting tertiary institutions’ development.
“For the alumni association, let’s take Harvard, for example, the university itself has an endowment of over $63 billion. For New York University, they did a fundraising recently, and made about $1 billion to assist the institution in admitting more students,” he stressed.
Similarly, Ifeoluwa Oyedele, the alumni association president worldwide said UNILAG over the years, has been shaping minds, producing leaders, contributing meaningfully to the development of the society, hence, it is time to rally support for it.
“Without missing words, and going by the line-up of the individuals in the hall today, our alma mater, UNILAG has indeed given us so much. It has shaped our paths, opened, and positioned us for relevance in the global landscape, but now, it needs us.
“The landscape of higher education is rapidly evolving, modern teaching, continent research, and global competitiveness require modern infrastructure, advanced equipment, and strategic partnerships. The truth is this, no government can solely fund education,” he said.
Dignitaries at the event include Bola Oboh, deputy-VC, academics and research; Olumuyiwa Falaiye, deputy-VC, management services; Afolabi Lesi, deputy-VC, development services; Abosede Wickliffe, registrar; Oluwafunmilola Adekunle, bursar; Olatokunbo Okiki, librarian; Taiwo Ipaye, director/secretary; and Gbenga Daniel, former governor of Ogun State.