The Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof. Folasade Ogunshola, has called for deeper collaborations between the institution, its alumni, and industry partners to enhance global competitiveness and strengthen the university’s development agenda.
Speaking on Sunday night, at the maiden Dinner with the Corporate World and Award Night of the UNILAG Alumni Association, Lagos State Branch, Ogunshola commended the alumni for their steadfast contributions and long-term plans for their alma mater.
She noted that no modern university could thrive in isolation, adding that global relevance required a strong, mutually beneficial relationship between academia and its external stakeholders.
“Modern universities cannot thrive in isolation; it requires a symbiotic relationship to compete globally,” she said.
The VC pointed out the strides the university has made in recent years, including strengthened partnerships with international institutions and multilateral agencies, as well as the prioritisation of innovation from the Entrepreneurship and Skills Development Centre.
According to her, infrastructural renewal projects across the university are improving learning, research, and residential experiences, contributing to UNILAG’s broader vision of becoming a future-ready, research-driven institution capable of confronting national and global challenges.
While acknowledging this progress, she emphasised the need for deeper alumni and industry engagement.
“Much more can be achieved through robust collaborations with alumni and business partners. I therefore make a formal appeal for endowments and scholarships to support students from academically disadvantaged backgrounds,” she said.
Prof. Ogunshola also urged industries to collaborate more closely with the university by presenting real-life problems that can drive research and better equip students with practical skills.
“We would like industry research partners to speak of problems to us, challenge us, help us, and let us show you what we can do,” she added.
In his welcome address, Chairman of the UNILAG Alumni Association, Lagos State Branch, Comrade Owoeye Adedeji, described the event as a celebration of shared values between “the gown and the town.”
He said the initiative was conceived as a practical way for alumni to give back to the university by addressing infrastructural and academic gaps through collective effort.
“Our goal is to build bridges between the knowledge producers in the university and the industries that power our economy. Through your support, we can drive innovation, mentorship, internships, and infrastructure development—all vital to the future of education,” he said.
He added that the branch had recorded remarkable progress through the collaboration of members, partners, and corporate stakeholders, noting that unity and collective vision remained the strength of any alumni body.
Special Guest of Honour, Chairman and CEO of Platform Capital, Dr. Akintoye Akindele, commended the alumni for the impactful initiative and encouraged them to remain dedicated to nation building.
He urged alumni to embrace gratitude, resilience, and service, describing life as a gift that should not be wasted.
“Life is so precious that comparison steals everything it offers you. I am not defined by my struggles; I am defined by grace. Every year is a lifetime, so we must make each one count,” he said.
Akindele also shared his partnership experiences with the university, including his support for the UNILAG Business School, which he helped strengthen through collaboration and infrastructure development.
The Deputy Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mrs. Mojisola Meranda, who was also an awardee, praised the association’s efforts to foster collaboration between academia and the corporate world.
She pledged continued support for the association’s initiatives aimed at driving meaningful development in UNILAG and across Lagos State.
“I am impressed by this initiative and by those you are bringing together to support impactful development in the university and Lagos State at large,” she said.
Other award recipients included Dr. Segun Oshundairo, Chairman, Onigbongbo Local Government, Mr. Moyosore Adebanjo; Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Central Internal Audit, Dr. Ayoola Oyeyemi; founder, Oxbridge Tutorial Collage, Dr. Olufemi Ogunsanya; Mr. Adigun Saheed, Mr. Yussuf Kelani and several others.
Credit: Punchng
